INDEPENDENT AUDITORS CONSENT                               EXHIBIT 23
                                                           (1997 10-K)


We  consent  to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statements of
Applied Power Inc. on Forms S-8 No. 33-18140, No. 33-21250, No. 33-24197, No.
33-38719, No. 33-38720 and No.  33-62658  of  our  report dated September 25,
1997 appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Applied Power Inc. for
the year ended August 31, 1997



/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Milwaukee, Wisconsin
November 14, 1997