An OMT operates by high-speed oscillation, rather than rotating or reciprocating motion. Oscillating motion moves in a side-to-side, arced motion, like a clock pendulum. It’s this narrow angle of movement (from about 2° to 5°) and fast speed (up to about 22,000 oscillations per minute) that provides you with an unmatched degree of con­trol. There are professional- and hobbyist-grade models in corded and cordless formats, available as a tool-only or in a kit with various accesso­ries. The attachments (a.k.a. accessories) that do the work include various blades for sawing, cutting, scraping and grinding, and sanding pads that are typically triangular but can also be round. A clamping mechanism secures the attachment to the tool. Manufacturers use various clamp­ing mechanisms (a.k.a. mounting systems). Some, like the Fein/Bosch Starlock system, are hands-free. Others require you to use a tool to change the attachment. While attachments are not always interchangeable across brands, there are some universal adapters that fit onto a tool’s clamping mechanism that enable it to accept attachments from different brands. An OMT is not a replacement for a conventional sander, jigsaw or grinder, but a complementary tool. Benefits include ease-of-use, the wide array of functions it carries out and its ability to reach into constricted spaces.