Exhibit 23.1 CONSENT OF PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statements of Applied Power, Inc. on Form S-3 No. 333-47493, Forms S-8 No. 33-18140, No. 33- 21250, No. 33-24197, No. 33-38719, No. 33-38720,. No. 33-62658, No. 333-42353, No. 333-46469, No. 333-61279, No. 333-61281, and No. 333-61389 of our report dated February 19, 1999, appearing in this report on Form 11-K of APW 401(k) Plan for the year ended August 31, 1998. /s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP Milwaukee, Wisconsin February 25, 1999