<TABLE> <S> <C>
<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND> This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from
the audited financial statements of Applied Power, Inc. for the year ended
August 31, 2000 and is qualified in its entirety by reference to such
financial statements.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> AUG-31-2000
<PERIOD-START> SEP-01-1999
<PERIOD-END> AUG-31-2000
<CASH> 9,896
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 87,362
<ALLOWANCES> 3,809
<INVENTORY> 67,599
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 203,714
<PP&E> 129,739
<DEPRECIATION> 80,571
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 416,981
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 126,243
<BONDS> 431,215
0
0
<COMMON> 7,923
<OTHER-SE> (170,878)
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 416,981
<SALES> 671,642
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 671,642
<CGS> 429,476
<TOTAL-COSTS> 429,476
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 0
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 37,670
<INCOME-PRETAX> 47,533
<INCOME-TAX> 19,488
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 28,045
<DISCONTINUED> 585
<EXTRAORDINARY> 38,459
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 67,089
<EPS-BASIC> 1.72
<EPS-DILUTED> 1.66
</TABLE>