<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE 10-Q
FOR THE QUARTER ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 FOR NATIONAL SANITARY SUPPLY COMPANY AND
IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<CIK> 0000793500
<NAME> NATIONAL SANITARY SUPPLY CO
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               JUN-30-1996
<CASH>                                           2,111
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   34,312
<ALLOWANCES>                                   (1,214)
<INVENTORY>                                     26,582
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                69,095
<PP&E>                                          43,738
<DEPRECIATION>                                (22,006)
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 118,133
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           37,469
<BONDS>                                         16,000
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                         6,627
<OTHER-SE>                                      56,934
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   118,133
<SALES>                                        154,487
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               154,487
<CGS>                                          103,997
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  103,997
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                   374
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                 822
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                  3,768
<INCOME-TAX>                                     1,615
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                              2,153
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                     2,153
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      .35
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .35