diff --git a/code/datums/elements/ridable.dm b/code/datums/elements/ridable.dm
index 5aac3290c0b4..2f4d85404206 100644
--- a/code/datums/elements/ridable.dm
+++ b/code/datums/elements/ridable.dm
@@ -83,7 +83,7 @@
 			inhand.rider = riding_target_override
 		inhand.parent = AM
 		for(var/obj/item/I in user.held_items) // delete any hand items like slappers that could still totally be used to grab on
-			if((I.obj_flags & HAND_ITEM))
+			if((I.item_flags & HAND_ITEM))
 				qdel(I)
 
 		// this would be put_in_hands() if it didn't have the chance to sleep, since this proc gets called from a signal handler that relies on what this returns
diff --git a/code/modules/zombie/items.dm b/code/modules/zombie/items.dm
index 93602b11dc5e..82871453b806 100644
--- a/code/modules/zombie/items.dm
+++ b/code/modules/zombie/items.dm
@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@
 		humans, butchering all other living things to \
 		sustain the zombie, smashing open airlock doors and opening \
 		child-safe caps on bottles."
-	item_flags = ABSTRACT | DROPDEL
+	item_flags = ABSTRACT | DROPDEL | HAND_ITEM
 	resistance_flags = INDESTRUCTIBLE | LAVA_PROOF | FIRE_PROOF | UNACIDABLE | ACID_PROOF
 	icon = 'icons/effects/blood.dmi'
 	icon_state = "bloodhand_left"