Exhibit 23
                                                                                
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

We consent to the incorporation of our report by reference in the Registration
Statements (Form S-8 Nos. 33-18140, 33-21250, 33-24197, 33-38719, 33-38720, 
33-62658, 333-42353, 333-46469, 333-61279, 333-61281 and 333-61389 and Form S-3
No. 333-47493) of Applied Power Inc. and in the related prospectuses, dated
August 26, 1998 on the consolidated financial statements of Rubicon Group plc as
at May 31, 1998 and for the year then ended, which report is included in this
Current Report on Form 8-K/A of Applied Power Inc. dated December 11, 1998,
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.


/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers
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PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS
Chartered Accountants and Registered Auditors
Birmingham, England
December 11, 1998
                                              
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