





                                                   Exhibit 23.1


<PAGE>



                                                                    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  Stock  Option  Plan  for  Non-Employee
Directors 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



<PAGE>
