A power tool includes a clamp shaft for clamping a tool accessory to the power tool and a clamp shaft holding mechanism for selectively locking the clamp shaft to hold the clamp shaft in a position that secures the tool accessory on the power tool. The power tool also includes a lever for shifting the clamp shaft holding mechanism between clamped and unclamped states. The lever is configured such that when an operator grasps the lever and moves it toward a position for releasing the tool accessory, the lever and the operator's hand move away from the tool accessory.