diff --git a/tool.lua b/tool.lua
index 14570a6..3f6709d 100644
--- a/tool.lua
+++ b/tool.lua
@@ -78,6 +78,11 @@ minetest.register_craftitem("protector:tool", {
 			return
 		end
 
+		-- do not place protector out of map bounds
+		if minetest.find_node_near(pos, 1, {"ignore"}) then
+			return
+		end
+
 		-- do we have protectors to use ?
 		local nod
 		local inv = user:get_inventory()