A drain cleaning machine includes a snake inlet tube, a clamping mechanism having a first support member and a second support member. The second support member is movable between a first position in which a first distance is defined between the first support member and the second support member, and a second position in which a second distance is defined between the first support member and the second support member. The clamping mechanism also includes a plurality of collets supported by the first and second support members. The drain cleaning machine also includes a motor switchable between a deactivated state and an activated state in which the motor is configured to rotate the clamping mechanism and an actuating lever moveable between a deactivated position, in which the second support member is in the first position, and an activated position, in which the second support member is in the second position.