diff --git a/src/calibre/gui2/bars.py b/src/calibre/gui2/bars.py
index 28311e48e1..c45cb779f7 100644
--- a/src/calibre/gui2/bars.py
+++ b/src/calibre/gui2/bars.py
@@ -667,10 +667,11 @@ class SearchToolBar(QHBoxLayout):
                 self.setup_tool_button(self, qact, act.popup_type)
 
     def widgetForAction(self, action):
-        dex = self.search_tool_bar_actions.index(action)
-        if dex < 0:
+        try:
+            dex = self.search_tool_bar_actions.index(action)
+            return self.search_tool_bar_widgets[dex]
+        except Exception:
             return None
-        return self.search_tool_bar_widgets[dex]
 
     def setup_tool_button(self, bar, ac, menu_mode=None):
         widget = self.widgetForAction(ac)