(Corey, Niko)

This refers to FRS Ticket #9647.

We needed to make a modification to the HAM5 OFI Baffle (D0902845) by using a nibbler tool (desired modification is attached & labeled as "OFIREFLBAFFLE(MODS)".  This tool was to be used to "nibble"-cut into 18 Guage (0.048" thick) stainless steel of a baffle part.  I was working in HAM5 with Keita on another task so I recruited Niko to tackle this job.  I helped him get set up and I tried one cut (each cut made about 3-4mm wide x 1-2mm long cut....needless to say it would be a slow process), and it was do-able, but hard.  

Eventually Niko found it to get harder and harder as he went.  We are thinking the tool was degrading.  He made something on the order of 0.5 - 0.75" worth of total cutting progress (photo#1 attached).  I wanted to give it a try & yes, it was really tough & could not make any progress....but on a final attempt I tried to manhandle it and manage one cut.  However on the next cut, the cutting part failed/broke (photo #2 attached).  

So perhaps another option can be tried?  Keita said Gerardo used shears on a similar type of material...but would go through several shears to complete the job.