<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the
unaudited financial statements of Applied Power Inc. for the three month period
ended November 30, 1996 and is qualified in its entirety by reference to such
financial statements.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          AUG-31-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               NOV-30-1996
<CASH>                                           1,894
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   74,104
<ALLOWANCES>                                     4,211
<INVENTORY>                                    123,538
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               211,715
<PP&E>                                         174,308
<DEPRECIATION>                                  95,442
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 431,202
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          108,601
<BONDS>                                        115,847
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                         2,749
<OTHER-SE>                                     175,393
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   431,202
<SALES>                                        153,096
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               153,096
<CGS>                                           92,458
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                   92,458
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               2,625
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 14,346
<INCOME-TAX>                                     4,806
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                              9,540
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                     9,540
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     0.67
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     0.67