The invention relates to a power cutting tool comprising at least one cutting strand (12a; 12b, 12c; 12d; 12e) and at least one guide unit (14a; 14b, 14c; 14d; 14e) for guiding the cutting strand (12a; 12b, 12c; 12d; 12e). According to the invention, the power cutting tool comprises at least one cutting strand contact guard unit (16a; 16b; 16c; 16d; 16e) which has at least one cutting strand contact guard element (18a; 18b; 18c; 18d; 18e) that is movably mounted on the guide unit (14a; 14b; 14c; 14d; 14e) and that is designed to at least substantially prevent, in at least one operating position of the cutting strand contact guard element (18a; 18b; 18c; 18d; 18e), any accidental contact with the cutting strand (12a; 12b; 12c; 12d; 12e).