A coupling apparatus for coupling a protector (7) to a tool body (2) of a gardening tool (1) includes a coupling member (10; 34; 35; 51) movable in a coupling direction for coupling the protector (7) to the tool body (2). A removal preventing device (13; 25; 28; 30; 31; 33; 55) is provided at the protector (7) and capable of restricting movement of the coupling member (10; 34; 35; 51) in a direction opposite to the coupling direction when the coupling member (10; 34; 35; 51) does not couple the protector (7) to the tool body (2).