diff --git a/src/main/java/gregtech/common/tools/GT_Tool_Axe.java b/src/main/java/gregtech/common/tools/GT_Tool_Axe.java
index 7affcaa7..f74aeca5 100644
--- a/src/main/java/gregtech/common/tools/GT_Tool_Axe.java
+++ b/src/main/java/gregtech/common/tools/GT_Tool_Axe.java
@@ -80,7 +80,7 @@ public class GT_Tool_Axe
 
     public boolean isMinableBlock(Block aBlock, byte aMetaData) {
         String tTool = aBlock.getHarvestTool(aMetaData);
-        return ((tTool.equals("axe"))) || (aBlock.getMaterial() == Material.wood);
+        return ((tTool != null) && (tTool.equals("axe"))) || (aBlock.getMaterial() == Material.wood);
     }
 
     public int convertBlockDrops(List<ItemStack> aDrops, ItemStack aStack, EntityPlayer aPlayer, Block aBlock, int aX, int aY, int aZ, byte aMetaData, int aFortune, boolean aSilkTouch, BlockEvent.HarvestDropsEvent aEvent) {