A holesaw mandrel assembly has a mandrel body with a first end to be coupled with a drill motor and a second end extending from the body. The second end receives a holesaw. A housing covers a portion of the mandrel. A first member is coupled with the housing and moves between a first and second position. A friction surface is on the first member. The friction surface is adapted to contact the holesaw such that upon contact with the friction surface, the holesaw is fixed in position. The friction surface moves between a first contact position and a second release position. A mechanism coupled with the housing moves the friction face between the first and second positions.