EXHIBIT 23.1




                                                                    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-8) pertaining to the Mueller Industries, Inc.
Option Agreements for Harvey L. Karp and William D. O'Hagan and to the
incorporation by reference therein of our reports dated February 9, 2001, with
respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of Mueller
Industries, Inc. included or incorporated by reference in its Annual Report
(Form 10-K) for the year ended December 30, 2000, filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission.



                                        /s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Memphis, Tennessee
October 30, 2001