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-4) and related Prospectus of Mueller Industries,
Inc. for the registration of shares of its common stock and to the incorporation
by reference therein of our report dated February 6, 1998, with respect to the
consolidated financial statements of Mueller Industries, Inc. incorporated by
reference in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 27, 1997,
and the related financial statement schedule included therein, filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
                                                /s/ Ernst & Young LLP
 
Memphis, Tennessee
September 26, 1998