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                                                                   EXHIBIT 23.1


                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS


      As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the
      incorporation by reference in this registration statement of our
      reports dated January 29, 1996, included in Illinois Tool Works
      Inc.'s Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended
      December 31, 1995, also included in the company's Current Report
      on Form 8-K dated February 21, 1996, subsequently amended by
      Amendment No. 1 to the company's Current Report on Form 8-K/A
      dated March 25, 1996, and Amendment No. 2 to the company's Current
      Report on Form 8-K/A dated April 30, 1996, and to all references
      to our Firm included in this registration statement.


      /s/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

      Chicago, Illinois
      December 5, 1996