diff --git a/builtin/common/misc_helpers.lua b/builtin/common/misc_helpers.lua
index d6673a691..88a498927 100644
--- a/builtin/common/misc_helpers.lua
+++ b/builtin/common/misc_helpers.lua
@@ -428,10 +428,9 @@ if INIT == "game" then
 	core.rotate_node = function(itemstack, placer, pointed_thing)
 		local name = placer and placer:get_player_name() or ""
 		local invert_wall = placer and placer:get_player_control().sneak or false
-		core.rotate_and_place(itemstack, placer, pointed_thing,
+		return core.rotate_and_place(itemstack, placer, pointed_thing,
 				is_creative(name),
 				{invert_wall = invert_wall}, true)
-		return itemstack
 	end
 end