Buy a bare tool when you already own compatible batteries — you save $30-100 vs the retail kit. Buy the kit when you're new to the platform OR need multiple batteries anyway. The kit isn't a scam; it's a bundle discount on tools + batteries + charger worth about $40-50 vs. buying each piece.
What "tool only" actually means
A "tool only" or "bare tool" SKU is just the tool — no battery, no charger, no case. Milwaukee's naming convention puts the tool number like "2853-20" where the "-20" signals bare. DeWalt's convention puts a "B" at the end (e.g., DCF887B).
Kits carry different suffixes. Milwaukee "2853-22" is the 2853 tool + 2x HD batteries + charger. DeWalt "DCK277D2" is a two-tool combo with 2x 2.0Ah batteries + charger.
Buy bare when:
1. You already own the platform. If you have 3+ Milwaukee M18 batteries in rotation, a new bare M18 tool slots in with zero extra purchase. You save the kit premium entirely.
2. You're replacing a broken tool. Same reasoning — your existing batteries are fine.
3. You're upgrading (e.g., swapping an older 2754-20 for the new 2953-20). Your existing kit's batteries carry over.
Buy the kit when:
1. You're new to the platform. First Milwaukee or DeWalt tool? Buy the kit. The bundle price is usually $40-50 less than buying the bare tool + a battery + a charger separately.
2. You need more batteries anyway. If you were going to buy a 2x HD 12.0 pack + a charger, adding a kit vs. buying those individually is often cheaper.
3. You want the kit case for storage. The retail cases are usually mediocre, but for some contractors that's a wash.
A real example: Milwaukee 2953-20 vs 2953-22
2953-20 (bare impact): $189. 2953-22 (kit with 2x 5.0Ah + rapid charger): $379. Individual pricing: bare ($189) + 2x 5.0Ah XC ($99 each = $198) + charger ($49) = $436. The kit saves you $57 vs. buying each piece.
So if you need batteries + a charger anyway, the kit is the move. If you already have 2-3 M18 batteries and a charger, buy bare and pocket the difference.
Joshua runs Charged Tools out of St. Louis. Background spans e-commerce operations, software engineering, and hands-on tool use in the auto trades. Every editorial piece on this site is written or reviewed by Joshua before it ships.
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