Can you draw a weapon as part of a spell attack?

Question

This is inspired by the following question which seems to only ask about steel wind strike, while this question is more general:

• Can I draw a weapon as a part of a Melee Spell Attack?

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The rules on "Other Activity on Your Turn" state (emphasis mine):

[...] You can also interact with one object or feature of the environment for free, during either your move or your action. For example, you could open a door during your move as you stride toward a foe, or you could draw your weapon as part of the same action you use to attack. [...]

Similarly, the rules on the "Use an Object" action state (emphasis mine):

You normally interact with an object while doing something else, such as when you draw a sword as part of an attack. When an object requires your action for its use, you take the Use an Object action. [...]

However, what if you cast a spell such as fire bolt, which involves making an attack; can you draw a weapon while performing this attack?

Answer 1

Yes, it is done in tandem with the Cast a Spell action.

The rules for object interactions state:

You can also interact with one object or feature of the environment for free, during either your move or your action.

The rules then give an example:

Here are a few examples of the sorts of thing you can do in tandem with your movement and action:

• draw or sheathe a sword

Since casting firebolt uses your action, you may draw your sword.

I have never played with a DM who much cared for the strict reading of this rule.

I've played with a lot of DMs. Not once has a DM objected to drawing my sword without moving or taking an action. Yes, it does say it must be done in tandem with either your move or action. So in a strict reading, it would seem you have to either move or take an action to interact with an object, but this is obviously a silly ruling:

Player: I draw my sword.

DM: Are you moving or taking an action?

Player: No? I just need to have my sword out.

DM: You can only interact with objects if you take some other action or move.

Player: Okay? I use my action to make a perception check and draw my sword in tandem with that action.

DM: (thinking to himself) phew, rules crisis averted. I can't imagine what wild unforeseen things might have happened if I had let them draw their sword without taking an action.

Just get your sword out and move on with your turn please.