



                                                   Exhibit 23.1 

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                                                                  EXHIBIT 23.1 

                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

     We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration  Statement
(Form S-8)  pertaining to The Stanley Works  Employee Stock Purchase Plan of our
report  dated  January 31,  1995,  with  respect to the  consolidated  financial
statements of The Stanley Works  incorporated  by reference in the Annual Report
(Form 10-K) of The Stanley  Works for the fiscal year ended  December  31, 1994,
and our report  dated March 24,  1995,  with  respect to the  related  financial
statement  schedule  included  therein,  filed with the  Securities and Exchange
Commission.



                                                ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Hartford, Connecticut 
September 6, 1995


