EXHIBIT 23.1

            CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

      We consent to the incorporation by reference in each of the following
Registration Statements of Anixter International Inc. and in the related
Prospectuses of our reports dated February 23, 2005, with respect to the
consolidated financial statements and schedules of Anixter International Inc.
Anixter International Inc., management's assessment of the effectiveness of
internal control over financial reporting, and the effectiveness of internal
control over financial reporting of Anixter International Inc., included in this
Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2004.



   FORM AND REGISTRATION
       STATEMENT NO.                        PURPOSE
----------------------------  --------------------------------------
                           
FORM S - 8 No. 2 - 93173      1983 Stock Incentive Plan
FORM S - 8 No. 33 - 13486     Key Executive Equity Plan
FORM S - 8 No. 33 - 38364     1989 Employee Stock Incentive Plan
FORM S - 8 No. 33 - 60676     1993 Director Stock Option Plan
FORM S - 8 No. 333 - 05907    1996 Stock Incentive Plan
FORM S - 8 No. 333 - 56815    1998 Mid - Level Stock Option Plan
FORM S - 8 No. 333 - 56935    1998 Stock Incentive Plan
FORM S - 8 No. 333 - 103270   2001 Stock Incentive Plan
FORM S - 3 No. 333 - 108807   Zero Coupon Convertible Notes Due 2033
FORM S - 8 No. 333 - 104506   2001 Mid - Level Stock Option Plan
FORM S - 3 No. 333 - 121428   $300 million Shelf Registration


Ernst & Young LLP
Chicago, Illinois
February 23, 2005