EXHIBIT 23.1 INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement of Brady Corporation on Form S-8 of our report dated September 8, 2003 (which report expresses an unqualified opinion and includes an explanatory paragraph as to the adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets") appearing in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Brady Corporation for the year ended July 31, 2003. /s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP Milwaukee, Wisconsin December 5, 2003