Abstract: An external pipe protector for protecting steel or plastic pipe against damage is disclosed. The protector includes a flexible sheet of shock absorbing material which is shaped and sized to encircle at least part of the length of the pipe. Opposite ends of the shock absorbing material are positioned and secured in overlapping relationship to one another by fastening elements provided on the opposite overlapping ends of the shock absorbing material. The fastening elements are confronting adhesive surface attached to the opposite overlapping ends of the shock absorbing material. Strippable covers are initially attached to the adhesive surface prior to use thereof, and are easily removed to enable the adhesive surfaces to be brought into confronting relationship to one another.