You just purchased a new refrigerator, delivered it home - and then the instructions mention mysterious “shipping bolts” bolts,” which “must be removed before switching on.” Where are they hiding? What do they look like? And what happens if they are not removed? These questions arise for most owners, especially when it comes to the first equipment of this kind.
Transport bolts (they are also called transport clamps or fastening screws) are temporary elements that hold key parts of the refrigerator stationary during transportation. Their main purpose is to protect the compressor, springs and other sensitive components from damage due to vibration or shock. However, after installing the refrigerator in a permanent place, these bolts required need to be removed, otherwise the equipment will either not turn on or will quickly fail.
In this article we will look at where exactly the shipping bolts are located in refrigerators of popular brands (Samsung, LG, Indesit, Atlant, Beko and others), how to remove them correctly, and also what to do if the bolts are lost or broken during dismantling. For clarity, we provide diagrams, photos and step-by-step instructions - even if you have never dealt with equipment before, you can handle it!
Why are shipping bolts needed in a refrigerator
Imagine: a refrigerator weighs 50-100 kg, and inside it there are fragile parts - for example, compressor (the heart of the system cooling), which is suspended on springs. Without fixation during transportation, it will dangle like a pendulum, risking damage to the freon tubes or the body itself. Shipping bolts solve this problem by rigidly attracting the compressor to the frame of the refrigerator.
In addition to the compressor, the bolts can fix:
- 🔧 Condenser (radiator on the rear wall) - so that thin tubes do not bend.
- 🔧 Fan (in models with No Frost) - prevents damage to the blades.
- 🔧 Door hinges - so that the doors do not open spontaneously.
- 🔧 Shelves and drawers —in some models they are also secured with screws.
If the bolts are not removed before turning on, the consequences can be serious:
- ⚠️ The compressor will not start due to blocking of the moving parts (the refrigerator will “hum”, but not cool).
- ⚠️ Increased load on the engine will lead to its overheating and breakdown.
- ⚠️ Vibration from a running compressor is transmitted to the housing, which accelerates the wear of door seals.
Where to look for transportation bolts: typical places
The location of the bolts depends on brands, models i type of refrigerator (single-chamber, double-chamber, Side-by-Side). However, there are several universal places where you should look for them first.
1. Rear wall of the refrigerator
In 80% of cases, the bolts are located at the back, next to the compressor. They can be:
- 🔹 Hidden under decorative cover (plastic or metal).
- 🔹 Closed capacitor casing (grid).
- 🔹 Visible immediately - usually these are 3-4 screws screwed into a metal frame.
2. The lower part of the refrigerator (under the bottom)
In models with lower position of the compressor (for example, LG or Samsung) the bolts can be hidden under the bottom. To see them, sometimes you have to:
- 🔧 Tilt the refrigerator back (carefully, with an assistant!).
- 🔧 Remove protective panel (if it is).
- 🔧 Light it with a flashlight - the bolts can be recessed into the grooves.
3. Inside the refrigerator (rarely, but it happens)
In some models (for example, Liebert or old ones Atlant) the transport bolts are fixed shelves or drawers. They can be found:
- 🔹 Under plastic plugs on the side walls.
- 🔹 In the grooves for shelves (usually along 1-2 bolts on each side).
- 🔹 On the back wall of the freezer.
What shipping bolts look like: photo and description
In order not to confuse shipping bolts with ordinary fasteners, pay attention to their characteristic features:
| Feature | Description | Photo (conditional) |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Larger than conventional screws - diameter 6–10 mm, length 20–40 mm. | [Bolt with a large head] |
| Color | Often black or silver (steel), sometimes with plastic bushings. | [Bolt with an orange plastic bushing] |
| Location | Symmetrically, 2-4 pieces, next to the compressor or on the frame. | [4 bolts on the back wall] |
| Marking | Can be marked with stickers “Transport” or arrows. | [Sticker with the inscription "Remove before use"] |
Important: in refrigerators Samsung and LG recent years, the transport bolts are often hidden under plastic plugs with the brand logo. Do not remove the plugs by force - pry them off with a screwdriver or knife.
If you are not sure that you have found the shipping bolts, check the instructions for the model. Usually there is a diagram indicating all the fasteners. For example, in refrigerators Indesit the bolts are marked with the letter “T” on the drawing.
Step-by-step instructions: how to remove the shipping bolts
Before starting work, prepare:
- ✅ Phillips and flat-head screwdriver (or screwdriver with attachments).
- ✅ Pliers (if the bolts are rusty).
- ✅ Flashlight (to illuminate the back wall).
- ✅ Container for storing bolts (so as not to lose).
☑️ Preparation for removing the bolts
Step 1: Unplug the refrigerator and provide access
Unplug the plug from the socket. If the refrigerator is built-in or stands close to the wall, carefully move it away (preferably with an assistant). Place cardboard or fabric under the legs to avoid scratching the floor.
Step 2: Remove the protective panels (if any)
On the back wall there may be:
- 🔹 Metal grill (capacitor) - usually secured with latches or screws.
- 🔹 Plastic cover —removed after unscrewing 2-4 screws.
In refrigerators Beko i Atlant the panel is often held on by clips - pry it off from the side with a screwdriver.
Step 3: Find and unscrew the bolts
Usually the bolts are screwed into the metal frame of the compressor. Unscrew them counterclockwise. If the bolt does not budge:
- 🔧 Drop WD-40 or oil for lubrication.
- 🔧 Use nut key (if the head is hexagonal).
- 🔧 Do not use excessive force - you risk breaking the thread!
What to do if the bolt breaks?
If the bolt head breaks off and the rod remains in the frame, try:
1. Using pliers, carefully unscrew the remainder.
2. Heat the fastening area with a hairdryer (the metal will expand and the bolt will come out easier).
3. As a last resort, drill it out, but this is risky for the compressor!
Step 4: Save the bolts and plugs
Do not throw away the bolts! You will need them if you have to transport the refrigerator again. Store them in a bag with instructions or stick them to the inside of the refrigerator (for example, with double-sided tape).
After removing the bolts:
- ✅ Make sure that the compressor hangs freely on the springs (swings easily when pressed).
- ✅ Check to see if there are any plastic bushings left in the holes
- ✅ Reinstall the protective panels.
Where are the shipping bolts in refrigerators of different brands
Each manufacturer has its own “chips” in the location of the bolts. We have collected data on popular brands (the information is relevant for models released after 2015).
| Brand | Typical bolt arrangement | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung | Rear, under the decorative cover with logo. | Often 4 bolts + plastic clamps for tubes. |
| LG | Under the bottom, next to the compressor. | Can be hidden under a black plastic panel. |
| Indesit, Ariston | Rear, open (without covers). | Bolts with large heads, marked with the letter “T”. |
| Atlant | Back and inside (on the freezer shelves). | In older models, the bolts may be under the control panel. |
| Beko | Back, under the metal grill capacitor. | Sometimes the bolts are replaced with plastic clips. |
⚠️ Attention: In refrigerators Side-by-Side (for example, Samsung RS62R5001M9) the transport bolts can be not only at the back, but also inside the freezer - they fix the separation partition. Look for them under the removable panels.
What to do if the bolts are lost or broken
The situation is not uncommon: bolts are lost when moving or break when unscrewing. Here's what you can do:
1. Buy new bolts
Contact your brand's service center or order parts online. Please indicate exact model of the refrigerator —the bolts differ in size and thread! Average cost of a set: 200–500 rubles.
2. Use analogues
If you cannot find original bolts, pick up replacements at a fastener store. Parameters:
- 🔧 Diameter: 6–8 mm.
- 🔧 Length: 25–35 mm.
- 🔧 Thread: metric, pitch 1.0–1.25 mm.
- 🔧 Material: stainless steel or galvanized.
3. Do without bolts (temporary solution)
If the refrigerator already installed is not to be transported, you can do without bolts. However:
- ⚠️ When any movement (even to the next room), the compressor must be fixed using available means (for example, ropes).
- ⚠️ Without bolts, the manufacturer's warranty can be canceled during transportation.
Common mistakes when working with transportation bolts
Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes that lead to breakdowns. Here are the most common:
- 🚫 Unscrew the bolts while the refrigerator is on.
Risk: short circuit or damage to the compressor.
- 🚫 Use an electric screwdriver at high speeds.
Risk: tear off the bolt head or threads in the frame.
- 🚫 They lose plastic bushings or washers.
Risk: during the next transportation the compressor will dangle.
- 🚫 Tighten the bolts back “by eye.”
Risk: overtighten and deform the frame.
⚠️ Attention: In refrigerators with with an inverter compressor (for example, LG GA-B489YDQZ) transport bolts cannot be screwed back after the first start! This may damage the damping system. Store the bolts separately and use them only for transportation.
FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions
Is it possible to turn on the refrigerator without removing the transport bolts?
No! The compressor is blocked and will not be able to operate normally. At best, the refrigerator will not turn on, at worst, the engine will burn out. Always remove the bolts before the first start.
How many bolts should there be in the refrigerator?
Usually 3-4 pieces. The exact quantity is indicated in the instructions. For example, in Samsung RB30J3000WW there are 4 bolts, and in Indesit DF 4180 W — 3.
How can you tell that the bolts have been removed correctly?
After removal, the compressor should swing freely when pressed by hand (but not dangle too much). Also check that there are no extraneous sounds when turned on.
What to do if the bolt is rusty and cannot be unscrewed?
Treat it WD-40 or kerosene, wait 10-15 minutes. If that doesn't help, try heating the bolt with a hair dryer (be careful not to overheat the plastic!). As a last resort, carefully drill it out.
Do you need to remove the bolts if the refrigerator is transported horizontally?
Required! When transporting the compressor horizontally without securing it, the tubes or the housing itself may be damaged. Use bolts and transport the refrigerator Only vertically (or with an inclination of no more than 40°).