Bare Tool or Kit? What Each Listing Gives You
Last reviewed October 31, 2026. Prices were listed by the retailer as of Oct 30, 2026 and can change. Confirm the current price and availability on the retailer's page before you buy.
A bare tool is the tool body on its own, listed without a battery or charger. A kit bundles the tool with at least a battery and often a charger, and sometimes adds a case, extra batteries or accessories. This page compares the two formats using the retailer catalog data: how many models each side lists, what they cost, which battery platforms they use, and how often a brushless motor is stated.
Every one of them is cordless, and 91% state a brushless motor in the listing. Platforms are spread across several systems: LXT 18V (32 models), XGT 40V (25), M18 (23) and NURON 22V (18). Makita accounts for 57 of the bare-tool models and Milwaukee for 31, with Hilti at 22, DeWalt at 9, Ridgid at 3 and Ryobi at 2. Impact wrenches are the largest group at 43, followed by drill/drivers at 26.
Of these, 272 are cordless and 84% state a brushless motor. Platforms are more concentrated: M18 (99 models), M12 (78), 18V (17) and 20V MAX (16). Milwaukee dominates with 192 kit models. Impact wrenches again lead at 89, then drill/drivers at 65.
Two cautions apply. First, a bare tool only works if you already own, or plan to buy, a compatible battery and charger, so the real cost depends on what you have. Second, kit contents are not always spelled out: some kit listings state their batteries, while others give no in-the-box detail. Read each listing before assuming what ships with it.
At a glance
| Bare tools | Kits | |
|---|---|---|
| Models listed | 124 | 279 |
| Price range | $209 to $1,599 | $208 to $6,199 |
| Median price | $299 | $369 |
| Battery platforms named in listings | LXT 18V (32), XGT 40V (25), M18 (23) | M18 (99), M12 (78), 18V (17) |
| Cordless models stating a brushless motor | 91% of 124 | 84% of 272 |
| Most common configuration | bare tool (124) | kit (279) |
| Listings stating batteries, charger or case | 5% | 53% |
| Tool types covered | Impact wrench (43), Drill/driver (26), Angle grinder (21) | Impact wrench (89), Drill/driver (65), Angle grinder (41) |
Lower-priced models
At the lower price points the two formats can look close. The Ryobi reciprocating saw is listed at $208.94 as a tool only, with a case or bag stated, and the Makita 40V Max XGT hammer driver-drill is listed from $209 as tool only. On the kit side, the Ridgid 18V drill/driver kit is listed at $208.00 and states 2 batteries and a charger. The Milwaukee M12 FUEL stubby impact wrenches start at $249 for both the bare 1/2 in. model and the 3/8 in. kit, which states 1 battery. At this tier, compare what is stated in the box, since similar prices can cover very different contents.
Bare tools
Ryobi ONE+ HP 18V Brushless Compact One-Handed Recip Saw (Tool Only) w/ LINK Standard Tool Box & Recip Blade Set (35-Pc)
$208.94 · · Voltage: 18 V · Brushless motor: Yes (stated in the listing) · Battery platform: ONE+ 18V
Makita 40V Max XGT Compact Brushless Cordless 1/2 in. Hammer Driver-Drill, Tool Only
$209 to $449 · · Voltage: 40 V · Brushless motor: Yes (stated in the listing) · Battery platform: XGT 40V · Size / capacity: 1/2 in. · Battery capacity: 2.5 Ah
Milwaukee M12 FUEL 12V Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Stubby 1/2 in. Impact Wrench with Pin Detent (Tool-Only)
$249.00 · · Voltage: 12 V · Brushless motor: Yes (stated in the listing) · Battery platform: M12 · Size / capacity: 1/2 in. · Max torque: 550 ft-lbs
Ridgid 18V Brushless Cordless 7-1/4 in. Rear Handle Circular Saw (Tool Only)
$234 to $498 · · Voltage: 18 V · Brushless motor: Yes (stated in the listing) · Battery platform: 18V · Size / capacity: 7-1/4 in. · Battery capacity: 8 Ah
Kits
Ridgid 18V NUKE SubCompact Brushless 1/2 in. Drill/Driver Kit w/ 2Ah MAX Battery, Charger & 18V 4.0 Ah EXP Battery
$208.00 · Kit · Voltage: 18 V · Brushless motor: Yes (stated in the listing) · Battery platform: 18V · Size / capacity: 1/2 in. · Battery capacity: 4 Ah
Milwaukee M12 FUEL 12V Li-Ion Brushless Cordless Stubby 3/8 in. Impact Wrench Kit w/(1) 5.0 Ah High Output Battery
$249 to $399 · Kit · Voltage: 12 V · Brushless motor: Yes (stated in the listing) · Battery platform: M12 · Size / capacity: 3/8 in. · Battery capacity: 5 Ah
Milwaukee M12 FUEL 12V Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Stubby 3/8 in. Impact Wrench with M12 XC High Output 5.0 Ah Battery Pack
$249 to $558 · Kit · Voltage: 12 V · Brushless motor: Yes (stated in the listing) · Battery platform: M12 · Size / capacity: 3/8 in. · Battery capacity: 5 Ah
Milwaukee M12 FUEL 12V Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Stubby 1/2 in. Impact Wrench with M12 XC High Output 5.0 Ah Battery Pack
$249 to $712 · Kit · Voltage: 12 V · Brushless motor: Yes (stated in the listing) · Battery platform: M12 · Size / capacity: 1/2 in. · Battery capacity: 5 Ah
Mid-priced models
In the middle tier, the bare-tool examples sit between $289 and $339 at their lowest listed price. They include the Makita XGT circular saw, two Makita LXT 18V impact wrenches and a Milwaukee M18 circular saw, each listed as tool only. The kit examples are mostly Milwaukee M12 FUEL stubby impact wrenches, from $354 to $399, with listings mentioning 5.0 Ah and 2.5 Ah batteries and an inflator in the titles. The $289 Milwaukee die grinder lists a 2.0 Ah battery in its title. Several of these kit listings give no in-the-box field, so the title is the main clue to contents.
Bare tools
Makita 40V Max XGT Brushless Cordless 7-1/4 in. Circular Saw, AWS Capable (Tool Only)
$289 to $678 · · Voltage: 40 V · Brushless motor: Yes (stated in the listing) · Battery platform: XGT 40V · Size / capacity: 7-1/4 in. · Battery capacity: 4 Ah
Makita 18-Volt LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 3-Speed 1/2 in. Impact Wrench w/Detent Anvil (Tool Only)
$339 to $629 · · Voltage: 18 V · Brushless motor: Yes (stated in the listing) · Battery platform: LXT 18V · Size / capacity: 1/2 in. · Battery capacity: 5 Ah
Makita 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 4-Speed Mid-Torque 1/2 in. Impact Wrench w/ Friction Ring Anvil (Tool-Only)
$299 to $638 · · Voltage: 18 V · Brushless motor: Yes (stated in the listing) · Battery platform: LXT 18V · Size / capacity: 1/2 in. · Battery capacity: 5 Ah
Milwaukee M18 FUEL 18V Lithium-Ion Cordless 7-1/4 in. Rear Handle Circular Saw (Tool-Only)
$299 to $691 · · Voltage: 18 V · Brushless motor: Yes (stated in the listing) · Battery platform: M18 · Size / capacity: 7-1/4 in. · Battery capacity: 12 Ah
Kits
Milwaukee M12 Fuel 12-Volt Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 1/4 in. Straight Die Grinder with M12 2.0 Ah Battery
$289.00 · Kit · Voltage: 12 V · Brushless motor: Yes (stated in the listing) · Battery platform: M12 · Size / capacity: 1/4 in. · Battery capacity: 2 Ah
Milwaukee M12 FUEL 12V Li-Ion Brushless Cordless Stubby 3/8 in. Impact Wrench Kit with Protective Boot
$354 to $538 · Kit · Voltage: 12 V · Brushless motor: Yes (stated in the listing) · Battery platform: M12 · Size / capacity: 3/8 in. · Battery capacity: 5 Ah
Milwaukee M12 FUEL 12V Li-Ion Brushless Cordless Stubby 3/8 in. Impact Wrench Kit w/ 5.0Ah, 2.5Ah High Output Batteries & Inflator
$399 to $578 · Kit · Voltage: 12 V · Brushless motor: Yes (stated in the listing) · Battery platform: M12 · Size / capacity: 3/8 in. · Battery capacity: 5 Ah
Milwaukee M12 FUEL 12V Li-Ion Brushless Cordless Stubby 1/2 in. Impact Wrench Kit w/ 5.0Ah, 2.5Ah High Output Batteries & Inflator
$399.00 · Kit · Voltage: 12 V · Brushless motor: Yes (stated in the listing) · Battery platform: M12 · Size / capacity: 1/2 in. · Battery capacity: 5 Ah
Higher-priced models
Higher up, the bare-tool examples lean toward larger, higher-torque tools. The Milwaukee M18 ONE-KEY impact wrench lists 1,100 ft-lbs of max torque from $429, and the Makita XGT 1 in. impact wrench lists 2,950 ft-lbs from $1,049, both as tool only. The Makita X2 plunge circular saw is a notable exception, stated as tool only yet listing 2 batteries. The kit examples at this tier, from $429 to $479, are still M12 FUEL impact wrenches, bundled with items such as a soldering iron, spot blower, socket set or light, according to their titles. Note that max torque is a listed figure, not a comparison of real-world results.
Bare tools
Milwaukee M18 ONE-KEY FUEL 18V Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 1/2 in. Impact Wrench with Extended Anvil (Tool-Only)
$429 to $882 · · Voltage: 18 V · Brushless motor: Yes (stated in the listing) · Battery platform: M18 · Size / capacity: 1/2 in. · Max torque: 1,100 ft-lbs
Makita 40V XGT Brushless Cordless 4-Speed High-Torque 1 in. D-Handle Extended Anvil Impact Wrench w/ Friction Ring, Tool Only
$1,049 to $1,469 · · Voltage: 40 V · Brushless motor: Yes (stated in the listing) · Battery platform: XGT 40V · Size / capacity: 1 in. · Battery capacity: 5 Ah
Makita 18V X2 LXT Lithium-Ion (36V) Brushless Cordless 6-1/2 in. Plunge Circular Saw (Tool Only) with 55T Carbide Blade
$479 to $699 · · Voltage: 18 V · Brushless motor: Yes (stated in the listing) · Battery platform: LXT 18V · Size / capacity: 6-1/2 in. · Battery capacity: 5 Ah
Makita 40V Max XGT Brushless Cordless 4-Speed High-Torque 3/4 in. Impact Wrench with Friction Ring Anvil (Tool Only)
$484 to $719 · · Voltage: 40 V · Brushless motor: Yes (stated in the listing) · Battery platform: XGT 40V · Size / capacity: 3/4 in. · Battery capacity: 2.5 Ah
Kits
Milwaukee M12 FUEL 12V Li-Ion Brushless Cordless Stubby 3/8 in. Impact Wrench Kit w/ 5.0 Ah High Output Battery and Soldering Iron
$429.00 · Kit · Voltage: 12 V · Brushless motor: Yes (stated in the listing) · Battery platform: M12 · Size / capacity: 3/8 in. · Battery capacity: 5 Ah
Milwaukee M12 FUEL 12V Li-Ion Brushless Cordless Stubby 3/8 in. Impact Wrench Kit w/ 5.0 Ah High Output Battery and Spot Blower
$429 to $650 · Kit · Voltage: 12 V · Brushless motor: Yes (stated in the listing) · Battery platform: M12 · Size / capacity: 3/8 in. · Battery capacity: 5 Ah
Milwaukee M12 FUEL 12V 3/8 in. Stubby Impact Wrench w/5.0Ah Battery & SHOCKWAVE PACKOUT Socket Set (36-Pc)
$448.99 · Kit · Voltage: 12 V · Brushless motor: Yes (stated in the listing) · Battery platform: M12 · Size / capacity: 3/8 in. · Battery capacity: 5 Ah
Milwaukee M12 FUEL 12V Li-Ion Brushless Cordless Stubby 1/2 in. Impact Wrench Kit w/ 5. 0Ah, 2. 5Ah High Output Batteries & Light
$479.00 · Kit · Voltage: 12 V · Brushless motor: Yes (stated in the listing) · Battery platform: M12 · Size / capacity: 1/2 in. · Battery capacity: 5 Ah
Which one fits you
Choose Bare tools if...
- You want to add to a battery platform you already own, since 124 bare-tool models span LXT 18V, XGT 40V, M18 and NURON 22V.
- You want a listing that states a brushless motor, which 91% of bare-tool models do.
- You are comfortable confirming battery and charger compatibility yourself, because a bare tool is listed as the tool only unless the listing says otherwise.
Choose Kits if...
- You are starting a new collection and want the tool, battery and charger in one purchase, as stated in the box details of listings such as the Ridgid drill/driver kit.
- You want a deep selection within one system, since M18 (99 models) and M12 (78 models) dominate the kit listings.
- You want extras such as extra batteries, an inflator, a light or socket sets, which several kit titles mention, and you will verify contents in each listing.
Ready to narrow it down?
Frequently asked questions
What is the main difference between a bare tool and a kit?
A bare tool is listed as the tool only, with no battery or charger stated. A kit is listed with at least a battery, and some add a charger, case or accessories. In this catalog, 5% of bare-tool models state kit contents, while 53% of kit models do.
Which costs less in this catalog?
The lowest listed prices are close: $208.94 for bare tools and $208.00 for kits. Because a bare tool excludes a battery, total cost depends on what you already own.
Do kits or bare tools more often state a brushless motor?
Bare tools do, by a modest margin: 91% of the 124 bare-tool models state a brushless motor in the listing, compared with 84% of the 279 kit models. Brushless motors are a motor design that avoids carbon brushes; a listing's statement alone does not show how a tool performs.
Which battery platforms appear on each side?
Bare tools are spread across LXT 18V (32 models), XGT 40V (25), M18 (23) and NURON 22V (18). Kits are led by M18 (99), M12 (78), 18V (17) and 20V MAX (16). A battery platform is a family of tools sharing compatible batteries and chargers.