How to Grind a Metal Bulkhead

Grinding is one of the best rust removal methods.

In nautical jargon, a bulkhead is any wall on a boat or ship. In home improvement circles, bulkheads are outdoor metal basement doors, usually set low, on an angle. Sometimes called "Bilco" doors, after a leading manufacturer, bulkheads are found on many homes, especially those of newer construction. As they endure weather on a daily basis, metal bulkheads fall victim to rust and corrosion over time, requiring rust removal and refinishing.

Things You'll Need

• Portable hand grinder
• Grinding pads
• Steel brush
• Cleaning solvent
• Protective eyewear
• Dust mask
• Long-sleeve work shirt
• Work gloves

Instructions

1. Install a grinding pad on the portable grinder by removing the nut in the center of the grinder pad with a small adjustable wrench. Place the pad in place and refasten the nut to hold the pad down. Plug the grinder in, if it's electric, or hook it to a compressor, if it's pneumatic.

2. Don protective clothing, including safety glasses, long-sleeve shirt, dust mask and work gloves. Grinders throw metal and sparks into the air, and also rip off skin if they come in contact with your hands and arms. Following proper safety standards is imperative when properly grinding a metal bulkhead.

3. Begin grinding at the top of one bulkhead door, working the grinder evenly, back and forth, overlapping each pass as you work downward. Finish one door and move to the next, grinding it in the same manner until it is ground clean of rust.

4. Work on the sides of the bulkhead. The sides are open metal, which is easily accessed with the portable grinder. Begin at the top, working downward, being sure to overlap each pass, so the rust is thoroughly removed.

5. Grind the hard-to-reach places. In between the bulkhead doors and around the edges are difficult to access with the grinder. Grind what you can, then use a sufficiently sized wire brush to remove the rust in hard-to-reach areas. When finished, clean the entire bulkhead with a cleaning solvent before refinishing it.

References

• Bilco: lassic Series Sloped Wall Basement Door
• Stevens Home Improvement: Bulkhead Doors/Basement Doors
• Workplace Standards Tasmania: Safety in the Use of Portable Grinders
• Affordable Portable Housing: Treating surface rust properly

Resources

• National Surface Treatment Center: What is Corrosion?