Selling wingless nuts and bolts, possibly to drill association (9)

I believe the answer is:

retailing

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'selling' is the definition.
(I know that retailing is a type of selling)

I can't explain the rest of the clue.

(Other definitions for retailing that I've seen before include "shopkeeper's daily routine?" , "marketing" , "Commercial activity" , "Selling (goods)" , "Giving details" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.

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