diff --git a/Makefile b/Makefile
index 413d76ae6..acdc2c7bb 100644
--- a/Makefile
+++ b/Makefile
@@ -79,7 +79,7 @@ tools:
 
 ensure_tools:
 	go get $(GOTOOLS)
-	@gometalinter --install
+	test -f gometalinter & gometalinter --install
 
 ### Formatting, linting, and vetting