diff --git a/include/obj.h b/include/obj.h
index 461426bfb..5bcf9d0dc 100644
--- a/include/obj.h
+++ b/include/obj.h
@@ -222,6 +222,11 @@ struct obj {
 				 (obj)->otyp == FLINT     || \
 				 (obj)->otyp == TOUCHSTONE)
 
+/* misc */
+#define is_flimsy(otmp)		(objects[(otmp)->otyp].oc_material <= LEATHER || \
+				 (otmp)->otyp == RUBBER_HOSE)
+
+
 /* helpers, simple enough to be macros */
 #define is_plural(o)	((o)->quan > 1 || \
 			 (o)->oartifact == ART_EYES_OF_THE_OVERWORLD)
diff --git a/src/uhitm.c b/src/uhitm.c
index c279011fe..4cac38282 100644
--- a/src/uhitm.c
+++ b/src/uhitm.c
@@ -575,7 +575,7 @@ int thrown;
 			  ((wtype = uwep_skill_type()) != P_NONE &&
 			    P_SKILL(wtype) >= P_SKILLED) &&
 			  ((monwep = MON_WEP(mon)) != 0 &&
-			   objects[monwep->otyp].oc_material >= WOOD &&
+			   !is_flimsy(monwep) &&
 			   !obj_resists(monwep,
 				 50 + 15 * greatest_erosion(obj), 100))) {
 			/*