Utility Access Doors
 
       
      Do you have a large hole or old worn out access doors to your water meter and shut off valves ? Today we will fabricate and weld on hinges and door jam 
Fabricate the Pieces
 
      Purchase 1 4 x 8 foot sheet of 1/4 inch thick mild steel ~ 200$ cut the panels to extend several inches beyond the opening on all sides at least 4 inches overlap. 
Create Mount for Hinges
 
      Drill holes for for your steel mounting brackets . we will be fabricating them out of the angle . cut 4 pieces 5 inches long and drill or blow holes with your torch . Bolt brackets firmly to side of wall or concrete .
Weld on Hinges
 
      Weld on your hinges and if needed cut out spacers from your sheet of 1/4 inch steel. weld your hinges to your bolted on mounting brackets. I needed a 1/2 here to get the hinges level . with the left over angle cut and weld a jam to the underside of one door that extends over the the length by 2 inches on either side  and hangs at least half its width over the underside of the door  . this will strengthen the doors when shut 
Weld on Chain Handles
 
      Use heavy chain doors will weigh up to a hundred pounds each .