Clamping apparatus with control mechanism for spring-actuated lever

A power tool comprising:

• a clamping apparatus that includes at least (a) a cam configured to rotate into a clamped position in which the clamping apparatus is in a clamped state and an unclamped position in which the clamping apparatus is in an unclamped state, (b) a cam follower configured to engage with the cam, and (c) a handle movable into a first position and a second position;
• and
• a control mechanism that includes (a) a cam post rotatable with the cam, and (b) a handle plate rotatable with the handle,
• wherein:
• the handle plate is configured to rotate the cam post in a first direction when the handle moves from the first position to the second position,
• the handle plate is configured to rotate independently of the cam post in a second direction for a predetermined distance when the handle moves from the second position to the first position,
• the first direction is opposite to the second direction, and
• the cam follower includes protruding members that are configured to hold the cam in the unclamped position when the handle plate rotates in the second direction for the predetermined distance.

An oscillating tool comprising:

• a clamping apparatus that includes at least (a) a cam configured to rotate into a clamped position in which the clamping apparatus is in a clamped state and an undamped position in which the clamping apparatus is in an unclamped state and (b) a handle movable into a first position and a second position;
• and
• a control mechanism that includes (a) a cam post rotatable with the cam, and (b) a handle plate rotatable with the handle,
• wherein:
• the handle plate is configured to rotate the cam post in a first direction when the handle moves from the first position to the second position,
• the handle plate is configured to rotate independently of the cam post in a second direction for a predetermined distance when the handle moves from the second position to the first position,
• the first direction is opposite to the second direction, and
• the oscillating tool is configured to hold an accessory between clamping members when the clamping apparatus is in the clamped state and release the hold on the accessory between the clamping members when the clamping apparatus is in the unclamped state, the accessory being a cutting tool, a sanding tool, or a scraping tool.