In a printer head comprising a print element (12) and a protecting member (32) which is for protecting a printing end (24) of the print element, the protecting member is movable in a predetermined direction to place a free end (34) thereof at a first and a second position. The printing end is movable between a rest position and an activated or printing position in a first sense of the predetermined direction. When placed in the first position, the free end is substantially flush with the printing end put in the rest position so that the protecting member effectively protects the printing end. When the protecting member is moved in a second sense opposite to the first sense, the free end is retracted from the first position in the second sense to be placed at the second position so that the printing end can be readily machined without being obstructed by the protecting member. Preferably, the protecting member is rendered integral with a holding member (26) for holding the print element so that the printing end is movable between the rest position and the activated position.