EXHIBIT 23.1



                         Consent of Independent Auditors

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement on
Form S-8 pertaining to The Stanley Works UK Share Save Plan of our reports dated
January 26, 2000 and March 24, 2000, with respect to the consolidated financial
statements of The Stanley Works incorporated by reference in its Annual Report
(Form 10-K) for the year ended January 1, 2000 and the related financial
statement schedule included therein, filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission.

                                                   /s/Ernst & Young LLP

Hartford, Connecticut
July 26, 2000