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                                                                   EXHIBIT 23.1


                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the following Registration
Statements of National-Oilwell, Inc. and in the related Prospectus of our report
dated February 3, 1999 with respect to the consolidated financial statements of
National-Oilwell, Inc. included in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year
ended December 31, 1998.




  Form                              Description
  ----                              -----------
        
  S-8      Stock Award and Long Term Incentive Plan, Value Appreciation and
           Incentive Plan A and Value Appreciation and Incentive Plan B (No.
           333-15859)

  S-8      National-Oilwell Retirement and Thrift Plan (No. 333-36359)

  S-8      Post Effective Amendment No. 3 to the Registration Statement on Form
           S-4 filed on Form S-8 pertaining to the Dreco Energy Services Ltd.
           Amended and Restated 1989 Employee Incentive Stock Option Plan, as
           amended, and Employment and Compensation Arrangements Pursuant to
           Private Stock Option Agreements (No. 333-21191)

  S-3      Post Effective Amendment No. 3 to Form S-4 filed on Form S-3
           pertaining to the offer to exchange $150,000,000 of 6 7/8% senior
           notes due 2005 for $150,000,000 of 6 7/8% senior notes due 2005,
           Series B. (No. 333-53717)

  S-3      Registration of 3,000,000 shares of common stock issued to Westburne
           Inc. (No. 333-72509)



                                                              ERNST & YOUNG LLP


Houston, Texas
March 26, 1999