A surgical tool arrangement a handpiece which is capable of accepting and operating a number of different surgical tools or instruments adapted for use with the handpiece, each having one or multiple functions. The handpiece incorporates a coupling arrangement located at a distal end thereof which serves to attach the desired surgical instrument to the hand-piece via a locking mechanism, and also provides an electrical contact arrangement to support the functioning of an electrosurgical probe as well as a combined mechanical cutting and electrosurgical tool. Additionally, the handpiece accepts a conventional cutter which only requires power for driving a movable cutting element.