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                                                                     EXHIBIT 5.1
                   [CALFEE, HALTER & GRISWOLD LLP LETTERHEAD]


                                   May 3, 2001


RPM, Inc.
2629 Pearl Road
P.O. Box 777
Medina, Ohio 44258

         We are familiar with the proceedings taken and proposed to be taken by
RPM, Inc., an Ohio corporation (the "Company"), with respect to 4,500,000 Common
Shares, without par value (the "Shares"), of the Company to be offered and sold
from time to time pursuant to the Company's 1996 Key Employees Stock Option Plan
(the "Plan"). As counsel for the Company, we have assisted in preparing a
Registration Statement on Form S-8 (the "Registration Statement") to be filed by
the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission to effect the
registration of the Shares under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

         In this connection, we have examined such documents, records and
matters of law as we have deemed necessary or advisable to render the opinion
contained herein. Based upon our examination and inquiries, we are of the
opinion that the Shares are duly authorized and, when offered and sold pursuant
to the terms and conditions of the Plan, will be validly issued, fully paid and
nonassessable.

         Our opinion is limited solely to the laws of the State of Ohio.

         We consent to the filing of this opinion as Exhibit 5.1 to the
Registration Statement. We do not admit that we are in the category of persons
whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Act.


                                          Very truly yours,

                                          /s/ Calfee, Halter & Griswold LLP

                                          CALFEE, HALTER & GRISWOLD LLP