Bare Tools vs. Combo Kits: What You Need to Know Before You Buy
Why Are Some Cordless Tools Sold Without Batteries?
"Bare Tools" or "Solo Tools" include only the machine itself.
The "Bare Tool" Surprise
At GIGATOOLS, we know it can be incredibly frustrating to buy a new cordless tool, bring it home or to the job site, and realize there is no battery or charger in the box. You might wonder: Why would manufacturers sell a tool that can't be turned on right out of the box?
This isn't an oversight or a trick. Selling "Bare Tools" (also called "Solo" or "Tool-Only" models) is the standard across all major professional brands like Bosch, DeWalt, and Makita. Here is why the industry is built this way.
1. The Battery is Often the Most Expensive Part
Lithium-ion technology is expensive. In many cases, the battery and the charger cost as much as—or more than—the tool itself. When you see a cordless tool with a surprisingly low price tag, it is almost always because the cost of the power source has been removed. Manufacturers separate them so you don't have to pay for the most expensive components every single time you need a new tool.
2. The "Shared Battery" Ecosystem
Modern power tools are designed as a system. A single 18V or 20V battery is built to click into dozens, sometimes hundreds, of different tools from the same brand. Once a professional or a DIYer owns one or two batteries from a Kit Set, they can buy five different "Bare Tools" and run them all using the batteries they already own. If manufacturers only sold complete kits, users would be forced to buy redundant batteries every time.
3. Preventing Extreme Clutter
Imagine owning ten cordless tools. If every tool came in a kit, you would have ten identical battery chargers sitting in your garage or workshop, taking up outlet space and eventually creating electronic waste. Selling the tool bare prevents this.
Are you buying your very first cordless tool?
If you do not already own a compatible battery and charger for the specific brand you are looking at, do not buy a Bare Tool. Please look for items labeled as a Kit Set, which include everything you need to start working immediately.
This standard provides significant savings for existing customers but can be confusing for new users. Ensure you have the required battery platform before purchasing tool-only models.