> Why don't they just take the batteries and/or motors out of the products on the shelves?
In really durable tools, motors are mounted deeply and securely in the case. They have to be. Removing/replacing a motor in a power tool is an involved time-consuming process that is prone to many errors. Of course, it would also require cooperation from the tool manufacturers concerning warranties and to to accommodate their product-design to a process like that (ain't gonna happen-- even the best tools are relatively low margin product, with much of the mark-up taken by sales channels).
And even if that's possible, it would be "easy" only for a highly-compensated, skilled mechanic with the right tools and 5-20 minutes of time. That's never going to be the case in neighborhood Home Depot's.
> Of course, it would also require cooperation from the tool manufacturers concerning warranties and to to accommodate their product-design to a process like that
I understand they're already involved - you can't just add an electronic kill switch after market, it has to be built into device, or else it would be too trivial to bypass.
And even if that's possible, it would be "easy" only for a highly-compensated, skilled mechanic with the right tools and 5-20 minutes of time. That's never going to be the case in neighborhood Home Depot's.