Exhibit 23.1


                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

The Board of Directors
Fastenal Company:

     We consent to the use of our reports incorporated by reference in the
Registration Statement (Form S-3) and related Prospectus of Fastenal Company for
the registration of 2,430,360 shares of its common stock and to the reference to
our firm under the heading "Experts" in such Prospectus. The audit report
covering the December 31, 2001 financial statements refers to the adoption of
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141, Business Combinations, on
July 1, 2001.

                                                /s/ KPMG LLP

Minneapolis, Minnesota                          KPMG LLP
May 13, 2002