diff --git a/mods/ENTITIES/mcl_item_entity/init.lua b/mods/ENTITIES/mcl_item_entity/init.lua
index 08ead7f26..7f5056617 100644
--- a/mods/ENTITIES/mcl_item_entity/init.lua
+++ b/mods/ENTITIES/mcl_item_entity/init.lua
@@ -319,7 +319,7 @@ function minetest.handle_node_drops(pos, drops, digger)
 	end
 
 	-- Special node drops (crushing) when digging with a hammer
-	local hammer = tooldef.groups.hammer
+	local hammer = tooldef and tooldef.groups.hammer
 	if hammer and hammer > 0 and nodedef._vl_crushing_drop then
 		drops = nodedef._vl_crushing_drop
 	-- Fortune drops