A portable device having an overload protection device for motor-operated tools has a drive motor, a drive shaft connected to the drive motor and driven in rotation by the drive motor, and an output shaft for driving a cutting tool, wherein the output shaft is arranged substantially perpendicularly to the drive shaft. A drive pinion is connected to the drive shaft. A drum is supported on the output shaft and driven in rotation by the drive pinion. A coupling is arranged between the drum and the output shaft and engages the drum. The coupling is connected to the output shaft. When the output shaft is blocked, the coupling effects an automatic decoupling between the drum and the output shaft in order to prevent overloading of the drive motor.