EXHIBIT 23.1

                         Consent of Independent Auditors


We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in the
Registration Statement (Form S-3) and related Prospectus of Anixter
International Inc. for the registration of $378,135,000 of its Liquid Yield
Option Notes Due 2033 and to the incorporation by reference therein of our
report dated February 3, 2003, with respect to the consolidated financial
statements and schedules of Anixter International Inc. included in its Annual
Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended January 3, 2003, filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission.



Chicago, Illinois                                         ERNST & YOUNG, LLP
September 11, 2003