diff --git a/mods/CORE/_mcl_autogroup/init.lua b/mods/CORE/_mcl_autogroup/init.lua
index 4d8ab35b86..be573b04ed 100644
--- a/mods/CORE/_mcl_autogroup/init.lua
+++ b/mods/CORE/_mcl_autogroup/init.lua
@@ -362,6 +362,12 @@ local function overwrite()
 			minetest.override_item(tname, {
 				tool_capabilities = toolcaps
 			})
+		else
+			-- This is needed to deal damage when punching mobs
+			-- with random items in hand in survival mode
+			minetest.override_item(tname, {
+				tool_capabilities = mcl_meshhand.survival_hand_tool_caps
+			})
 		end
 	end
 end