diff --git a/builtin/common/misc_helpers.lua b/builtin/common/misc_helpers.lua
index e4653d41d..c2dc7514d 100644
--- a/builtin/common/misc_helpers.lua
+++ b/builtin/common/misc_helpers.lua
@@ -382,7 +382,6 @@ if INIT == "game" then
 					itemstack, pointed_thing)
 			return
 		end
-		local pitch = placer:get_look_pitch()
 		local fdir = core.dir_to_facedir(placer:get_look_dir())
 		local wield_name = itemstack:get_name()