Abstract: A guard sized and configured for detachable attachment to a housing of a reciprocating saw, which saw comprises a least one saw blade, wherein the guard forms at least one flexible surface which in turn defines an aperture which extends through the guard and which aperture is sized and configured to allow the blade to extend there through, and wherein the flexible surface contacts the blade when the blade extends through the opening so that a portion of the guard flexes with the movement of the blade to thereby inhibit entry of liquid or particulate debris into the housing when the saw is in use. Reciprocating saws modified with the guard and a method of protecting reciprocating saws from liquid or particulate debris are also provided.