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What does body only, bare or tool only mean?

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In short

Body only, bare unit, skin, naked and tool only all mean the tool without a battery or charger. You need batteries and a charger from the same platform to use it. Makita often marks bare tools with Z at the end of the model, DeWalt with N and Milwaukee with 0. Bare tools are good value when you already own batteries, but not for a first tool.

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Shopping for cordless tools, you will see the same drill listed at very different prices. Often the cheaper one is body only. That can be a bargain or a disappointment, depending on whether you already own the right batteries. This guide explains the terms, model code letters and what to check before you buy a bare tool.

The terms

These phrases all mean the same thing in UK listings: body only, bare unit, bare tool, tool only, skin, naked and solo. The box contains the tool and sometimes a belt hook, bit holder or case, but no battery and no charger.

Kit listings, by contrast, include one or two batteries and a charger, usually in a case or bag. See combi drill kits for examples.

Model code letters

Brands use suffix letters to show what is in the box. These are common patterns, but always read the box contents in the listing, as they vary.

BrandBare toolKit examples
Makita LXTZ, ZJ (with Makpac case)RFE, RTJ, letters for battery size and case
DeWalt XRN, NT (with TSTAK case)P2, D2, M2 for two batteries of a given size
Milwaukee M180, 0X (with case)402C, 502X for battery size and count
Bosch ProfessionalSolo or bare unit in titleKits list battery size and count
Common suffix patterns (check the listing)

When body only makes sense

If you already have batteries and a charger on the same platform, a bare tool is usually the cheapest way to add a tool. Many people buy a twin pack or kit to start, then add bare saws, multi-tools and SDS drills. See what is in a power tool kit.

Bare tools are also handy as a second drill on the same batteries, or to replace a worn tool without buying more packs.

See power tool kits →

When to avoid it

If you have no batteries, buying a bare tool and then a separate battery and charger often costs more than a kit. Bare tools also do not fit batteries from other brands; see are tool batteries interchangeable.

Watch for platform differences within a brand. Makita LXT 18 V, XGT 40 V max and CXT 12 V max use different batteries. DeWalt 18 V XR packs fit 18 V tools, and FlexVolt packs fit both 18 V and 54 V tools, but 18 V packs do not run 54 V tools.

Checklist before buying a bare tool

A few quick checks before you order save a return and the wait for a replacement.

  • The platform and voltage match your batteries.
  • The listing says bare, body only or tool only, and shows box contents.
  • Your battery size suits the tool; saws and SDS drills like 4 Ah and up.
  • The seller is reputable, to avoid copies.
  • The warranty registration works for a bare tool.

Note:Use only genuine or maker approved batteries and chargers. Unofficial batteries and adapters may lack protection and can overheat.

Batteries for bare tools

Small 2 Ah packs keep drills and drivers light. Saws, grinders and SDS drills work better with 4 Ah to 5 Ah and higher packs. See volts and amp hours explained and compare packs with the battery energy calculator.

Copies of popular brand batteries are sold online. Check how to spot fake Makita and DeWalt tools before buying cheap packs.

Kits, twin packs and bare tools together

A common way to build a set is to buy one kit with two batteries and a charger, then add bare tools as you need them. A drill and impact driver twin pack is a popular start, as in our combi drill and impact driver sets. Later, a bare circular saw, multi-tool or SDS drill adds a lot of capability for the cost of the tool alone.

Watch for seasonal bundles that include a free bare tool or a spare battery with a kit. They can be good value if the extra tool is one you would buy anyway. Compare the battery sizes in each bundle, as a cheap kit with small 2 Ah packs may not suit saws.

Frequently asked questions

What does DCD796N mean? In DeWalt codes, N usually means bare tool with no battery or charger. NT often adds a TSTAK case.

What does Z mean on Makita tools? Z usually means body only. ZJ is body only in a Makpac case.

Does body only include a case? Sometimes. Check the box contents in the listing.

Can I use any 18 V battery with a bare tool? No. It must be from the same brand platform, or an official partner system.

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