Abstract: A protective shield for a free-cutting tool having a rotatable cutting head with a cutting thread that extends radially upon rotation of the cutting head and thus defines a cutting plane, has a support section for fixedly connecting the shield to the tool above the cutting plane. A circumferential wall is connected to the support section and extends about a portion of the circumference of the cutting plane. The circumferential wall extends axially from the support section to at least the cutting plane and has axially extending lateral edges arranged perpendicular to a direction of rotation of the cutting head. The lateral edges each have a round transition into a bottom edge of the circumferential wall. A crosscutting blade for cutting to length the cutting thread is connected to the inside of the circumferential wall at its leading portion in the direction of rotation. The crosscutting blade extends over the axial height of the circumferential wall.