EXHIBIT 5.1

                        [IRELL & MANELLA LLP LETTERHEAD]

                                  July 11, 2003

Board of Directors
Bell Industries, Inc.
1960 East Grand Avenue, Suite 560
El Segundo, CA 90245-4608

         Re: Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed in connection with the
             Bell Industries, Inc. 2001 Stock Option Plan

Gentlemen:

         We have acted as counsel to Bell Industries, Inc., a California
corporation (the "Company") in connection with the Registration Statement on
Form S-8 (the "Registration Statement") to be filed by you with the Securities
and Exchange Commission in connection with the registration of 500,000 shares of
the Company's common stock, no par value ("Common Stock"), issuable upon
exercise of options granted pursuant to the Company's 2001 Stock Option Plan. As
such counsel, we have examined the 2001 Stock Option Plan and the sale and
issuance of the Common Stock pursuant thereto and such other matters and
documents as we have deemed necessary or relevant as a basis for this opinion.

         Based on these examinations, it is our opinion that such Common Stock,
when sold and issued in the manner referred to in the Registration Statement and
the 2001 Stock Option Plan, will be legally issued, fully paid, and
non-assessable.

         This opinion is being furnished in accordance with the requirements of
Item 8 of Form S-8 and Item 601(b)(5)(i) of Regulation S-K. We consent to the
filing of this opinion letter as Exhibit 5.1 to the Registration Statement.

         This opinion letter is rendered as of the date first written above and
we disclaim any obligation to advise you of facts, circumstances, events or
developments which hereafter may be brought to our attention and which may
alter, affect or modify the opinion expressed herein. Our opinion is expressly
limited to the matters set forth above and we render no opinion, whether by
implication or otherwise, as to any other matters relating to the Company or the
Common Stock. This opinion is furnished to you in connection with the
above-described shares, is solely for your benefit, and may not be relied upon
by, nor may copies be delivered to, any other person or entity without our prior
written consent.

                                                  Very truly yours,

                                                  /s/ Irell & Manella LLP

                                                  Irell & Manella LLP