Makita 36V Circular Saw Kit Deal: Rear Handle vs Top Handle

Introduction

Every so often a tool deal comes along that is less about the headline product and more about everything that comes with it. Makita’s 36V circular saw kit promotion is exactly that kind of deal, and it returns reliably two to three times a year, typically around mid-year and again during the holiday season. You choose between a rear handle or top handle 36V saw, and the kit arrives with a dual charger and four 5.0Ah batteries.

The saw alone retails for around $360 year round with only two batteries. During this promotion the kit has historically dropped as low as $199, with most years landing near $249, and this year pricing has hovered around $289 to $299. Even at the higher end, the math on the batteries alone makes this worth a close look.

What You Get in the Kit

The core of the deal is a Makita 36V circular saw, which runs off two 18V-style batteries to deliver 36V performance. You also get a dual charger, which is worth roughly a hundred dollars on its own, plus a total of four 5.0Ah batteries.

It is worth stressing that these are not the small compact packs. All four batteries are the 5 amp hour size, which makes the bundle considerably more valuable than kits that pad the count with low-capacity cells.

Why the Batteries Are the Real Value

Buying four quality batteries in any major brand, whether Makita, DeWalt, or Milwaukee, is expensive on its own. That is what makes this promotion unusual: it is one of the few ways to stock up on a large number of batteries without spending a fortune.

For anyone whose existing packs are aging or no longer holding a charge, this kit is a practical refresh strategy. It is also a low-friction entry point into the Makita platform: you get four batteries, a dual charger, and a solid saw immediately, and if you do not need that size of saw, it typically resells for around $60 to $80, leaving you with the batteries and charger at a steep effective discount.

Rear Handle vs Top Handle: Which Should You Pick?

Makita offers this 36V platform in two configurations, and they differ in a few meaningful ways. Weight, RPM, and power are the three big differences between the two saws.

As a general rule, the top handle version is the choice if power is your priority. The rear handle version favors comfort and day-to-day usability, which is why many framers and DIY users lean toward it. Neither is a bad pick; it comes down to whether you want maximum cutting performance or a saw that is easier to live with over long sessions.

Buying Advice

The lowest price ever seen on this exact kit was $199 during a Black Friday event, but expecting a repeat of that seems unrealistic. A return to around $249 at select retailers is plausible, and at $289 to $299 the kit is still a genuinely good deal given current pricing on batteries and chargers.

Availability runs through retailers such as Acme Tools and Tool Nut, with Home Depot carrying it in store as well. Note that the top handle version is generally online only, so if that is your preferred configuration, plan accordingly.

Conclusion

This is one of the rare kit promotions where the saw is almost a bonus. Four 5.0Ah batteries and a dual charger alongside a capable 36V circular saw, all for under $300 in most years, is a compelling package whether you are building out a Makita collection, replacing tired packs, or simply want a dependable framing saw with plenty of spares on hand. Pick the rear handle for comfort, the top handle for power, and either way you come out ahead.