A change in kitchen layout or simply a desire to improve the ergonomics of the space often poses the question of moving the door leaf to owners of household appliances. For refrigerators Atlant this procedure is quite doable at home if you approach the matter carefully and consistently. Many users are afraid to start working on their own for fear of damaging facade or breaking the tightness, but the design of Belarusian units provides for the possibility of re-hanging.
Before starting work, you need to make sure that your model really supports this function, since not all modifications have symmetrical fastenings In most cases hinges and places under handles are provided structurally, but can be hidden by plugs. Proper preparation of the tool and workplace will take less time than the process itself, but the success of the entire operation depends on this stage.
It is worth immediately noting that the procedure requires physical strength, especially if we are talking about two-chamber models with heavy doors. It is best to do the work together to avoid distortions and accidental impacts on furniture or walls. In this article we will analyze in detail all the nuances so that you can independently change the opening side of your Atlanta.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
Quality preparation is half the success of any repair operation. You don't need complex specialized equipment; a standard home craftsman's kit is enough. The main tool will be screwdriver or a set of screwdrivers with different attachments, since fasteners may differ in the type of slot.
Be sure to free up space around the refrigerator. You will need to be able to walk around the unit freely on all sides, and also be able to place the removed doors on a flat surface. Cover the floor with a soft material, such as cardboard or thick fabric, so as not to scratch facade or the flooring when temporarily placing parts.
- 🔧 Phillips screwdriver (PH2) or screwdriver with the appropriate bit.
- 🔩 10 mm wrench (often required for hinge bolts).
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges.
- 📦 Container for folding small parts and fasteners.
Don't forget to disconnect the refrigerator from electrical networks. Although electricity is not directly involved in the mechanical process, safety should be a priority when working with large machinery. It is also recommended to wash and defrost the unit in advance to lighten its weight and avoid water leakage during tilting.
☑️ Preparing for rehanging
Removing the upper and lower doors of the refrigerator
The dismantling process begins with the upper chamber, since it has a more complex hinge design in most models. Atlant. First you need to remove the top decorative panel, if present, and gain access to the top hinges. In some models, screws are hidden under the panel that secure the cover.
⚠️ Attention: Before unscrewing the top hinge, be sure to ask an assistant to hold the door. It is heavy and can fall, damaging the floor or its own seals seals.
After releasing the upper fasteners, carefully remove the door from the lower hinge. Act smoothly, without jerking, so as not to deform the metal. The lower door is removed in a similar way, having previously freed access to its upper hinge, which is often hidden under the decorative strip between the chambers.
Immediately sort all removed screws and washers. Fasteners for the left and right sides may differ in length or diameter, and mixing them up can create problems during reassembly. Place the doors on the prepared surface with the outer side down, placing something soft under facade.
Nuances of dismantling doors
In some models of Atlant refrigerators with the No Frost system, sensors or lighting may be wired under the top cover. Be extremely careful when removing the panel to avoid damaging the cables. If there are wires, they must be carefully disconnected, remembering the connection order, or temporarily moved to the side without pulling.
Removing and reinstalling handles and plugs
One of the most noticeable parts of the procedure is moving the handles. In the factory version, they are installed on one side, and on the other, the holes are closed with decorative plugs. Your task is to remove the plugs, rearrange the handles and close the vacated holes.
To remove handles in models Atlant, screws are usually used, accessible from the bottom or top of the handle, or they are attached to latches. Proceed with caution: the plastic handles may be brittle, especially if the refrigerator has been in use for a long time. Apply the force evenly so as not to break the mounting ears.
Plugs, as a rule, have a round or oval shape and are simply inserted into the holes. They can be pryed off with a thin screwdriver or knife. Once removed, wipe them clean and insert them into the vacated holes on the opposite side from where you removed the handles. This will provide an aesthetic appearance and protection of the internal cavity of the door from dust.
- 🖐️ Carefully pry the plug with a thin tool.
- 🔓 Unscrew the fixing screws of the handles (if they are hidden, find the technological holes).
- 🔄 Move the handles to the new side, aligning mounting holes.
- 🔒 Insert the plugs tightly into the old holes under the handles.
Reversing the hinges and changing the opening side
The most critical stage is moving them themselves hinges. The design of refrigerators Atlant allows you to move them to the opposite side of the case. To do this, you need to unscrew the hinges from the current holes and screw them into symmetrical holes on the other side.
Please note that the pins of the lower hinges can be of different lengths or shapes for the upper and lower doors. Do not mix them up during installation. Also check the condition of the threads in the new holes; if there were plugs there, make sure that they are completely removed and do not interfere with screwing in the bolts.
When installing the doors in a new location, make sure that the pins are in a vertical position. The door should fit easily, without distortion. If the door is difficult to lay down, do not use force - check whether the loops hinges are correctly placed in their sockets
| Element | Action during transfer | Important detail |
|---|---|---|
| Upper hinge | Reposition to the opposite side | Make sure the orientation of the pin |
| Bottom hinge | Replacing the axis or rearranging base | Check tightness |
| Fixing screws | Use new holes | Do not confuse the length of the screws |
| Plugs | Transfer to vacant places | Ensure the tightness of the holes |
Adjusting a tight fit and tightness
After the doors are installed in new places, you need to check the tightness of their fit to the body. Seal should evenly touch the surface of the refrigerator around the entire perimeter. If you notice gaps or a loose fit, the cold will go away and the compressor will work harder.
To adjust, it is often enough to simply loosen the fastening screws hinges, press the door tightly with your hand and tighten the screws again. In some models Atlant provides for adjusting the height of the pins or the tilt of the doors using special screws.
⚠️ Attention: If after adjustment the door still does not fit tightly, the seal itself may have become deformed seal during dismantling. Try heating it with a hairdryer or pouring boiling water over it to restore elasticity.
You can check the tightness with a simple test with a sheet of paper. Clamp the sheet between the door and the body in different places. If it is pulled out with force along the entire perimeter, then everything is in order. If in some places the sheet falls out freely, additional adjustment is required hinges.
Common mistakes and tips for operation after transfer
When re-hanging doors on their own, users often make a number of common mistakes. One of them is tightening the screws “all the way” without first trying them on, which can lead to the door skewing and jamming. Another common mistake is the loss or confusion of fasteners of different chambers.
After completing the work, let the refrigerator stand in the off state for at least 30-60 minutes. This is especially important if you have been actively tilting the unit or working in a cold room. The oil in the compressor unit needs time to return to the crankcase.
- ✅ Do not overtighten the hinge screws so as not to strip the threads in the metal case.
- ✅ Check the horizontal installation of the refrigerator after all manipulations.
- ✅ Make sure that the lighting wires are not jammed by the door when closing.
If you notice that the door has become harder to close or, conversely, too easy, revisit the adjustment process. A properly configured mechanism should ensure smooth movement and a tight bang when closing in the last centimeter of travel.
What to do if the door does not hold?
If the Atlant refrigerator door does not stay open after transfer or closes spontaneously, check the angle of inclination of the entire refrigerator. Often, for the correct operation of the closer mechanism or simply for the correct flow of water, a slight tilt of the housing back is required. Adjust the front support legs.
Questions and answers (FAQ)
Do you need to call a specialist to rehang the Atlant door?
No, in most cases this procedure can be performed independently with a basic set of tools. However, if you are not confident in your abilities or the refrigerator model has complex electronic elements in the door (display, controls), it is better to contact specialists.
Is it possible to rehang the door if there is a display on it?
If the display is built into the door and there are holes and wiring for it only on one side, then relocation may not be possible without replacing the door itself or complex re-soldering. In such cases, you need to check the instructions for the specific model Atlant.
Why did the door become worse to close after the transfer?
Most likely, the hinges were incorrectly adjusted or broken installation geometry of the refrigerator itself or the installation geometry of the refrigerator itself is broken