





                                                   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 1990 Stock Option 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



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