8-K

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934

May 20, 2003
_________________
(Date of earliest event reported)

The Stanley Works
___________________________________
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)


 Connecticut  1-5224  06-0548860
(State or other Jurisdiction
of Incorporation 		Commission
File No.) 		( IRS Employer
Identification No.)

1000 Stanley Drive, New Britain, Connecticut   06053
_________________________________________
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

                Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (860)  225-5111    

Not Applicable.
______________________________________________________
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)



Item 5.    Other Events.

                On May 20, 2003, the Company issued a press release announcing that John M. Trani, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, will retire effective December 31, 2003. A copy of this press release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1.

Item 7.    Exhibits.

99.1        Press Release dated May 20, 2003


SIGNATURES

                Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.


    THE STANLEY WORKS
(Registrant)

Date:  May 20, 2003   By:  /s/ Bruce H. Beatt
 
   
  Name:   Bruce H. Beatt
  Title:

  Vice President, General Counsel
 and Secretary


EXHIBIT INDEX


Exhibit Number Description
   
99.1 Press Release dated May 20, 2003