The situation when, after purchasing or remodeling a kitchen, it turns out that the refrigerator door Atlant opens in an inconvenient direction is familiar to many. This creates obstacles to movement, makes it difficult to open adjacent cabinets, or simply disrupts the ergonomics of the workspace. Fortunately, the design of most models of this brand allows for the possibility of changing the opening side, which allows you to adapt the equipment to the specific conditions of the room without calling a specialist.
The process of hanging the door does not require complex specialized tools, however, it requires care and strict adherence to the sequence of actions. Inaccurate work performance can lead to damage to the enamel, deformation of the hinges or violation of the tightness of the seal. In this article, we will analyze each stage in detail, from preparing tools to the final adjustment of the gaps, so that you can cope with the task independently and safely.
Before starting any manipulations, you must make sure that the refrigerator is disconnected from the power supply. This is a basic safety rule that is often ignored when it comes to mechanical work, but it is critically important, especially if you need to move equipment close to a wall or use a metal tool near electrical wiring.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
The success of the door hanging operation is 90% dependent on proper preparation. You don't need a whole toolbox, but you should have the right items on hand to avoid damage. The main tool will be hex wrench (usually 4 mm or 5 mm), which often comes with the refrigerator, or a set of screwdrivers (phillips and flathead).
Since refrigerator doors Atlant are quite heavy, especially in two-chamber models, it is imperative It is recommended to enlist the help of a second person. Holding a heavy metal structure on your own while unscrewing the bolts is extremely inconvenient and dangerous. Cover the floor in front of the refrigerator with a soft material - a blanket, thick cardboard or carpet, so that if parts or tools accidentally fall, you do not damage the floor covering.
- 🛠️ A set of screwdrivers (phillips and flat) or a screwdriver with the appropriate bits.
- 🔑 Hex keys (metric, often 4 mm, 5 mm).
- 🧤 Construction gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges.
- 🧶 Soft rags or towel for placing under the door being removed.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting work, be sure to empty the door shelves of products and removable elements. Even a small number of cans can significantly increase the weight of the door and upset the balance when removed.
Move the refrigerator away from the wall, allowing access from all sides. Make sure that the power cord is not strained and does not interfere with the movement of the unit. If you have a model with the No Frostsystem, make sure that you do not touch the air ducts located at the back, although when working on the doors the risk of damage is minimal.
Removing the top door and dismantling the top hinge
The remodeling process begins from the top of the refrigerator compartment. First you need to remove the top decorative plug if it covers the fasteners. In some models Atlant the hinges are hidden under plastic covers, which are carefully pryed off with a flat screwdriver. Be careful not to break the plastic clips.
After gaining access to the fasteners, loosen the top hinge bolts, but do not remove them completely yet. This will allow you to determine how tightly they are tightened and prepare the door for removal. Then, holding the door with one hand (or having an assistant), remove the screws completely. The upper hinge can be removed together with the axle or separately, depending on the specific modification.
☑️ Preparation for removing the door
Gently lift the door up to remove it from the bottom hinge, and put it in a safe place, preferably horizontally, with a prepared cloth underneath. Now you have access to the upper part of the case, where you will need to dismantle or rearrange the fastening elements.
Re-hanging the lower door and the main hinge
The lower door covering the freezer is usually heavier and more massive. The algorithm of actions here is similar: remove the decorative elements, unscrew the bolts of the middle hinge (which is the top hinge for the freezer and the bottom for the refrigerator). Holding the door, remove it and set it aside.
Now you need to move the main support hinge to the opposite side. To do this, unscrew the mounting bolts from the current side and screw them into those provided by the manufacturer threaded holes on the other side of the case. Please note that in some models the holes may be closed with plastic plugs that need to be removed.
| Hinge type | Location (standard) | Action when re-weighing | Tool |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper | Upper right corner | Move to left corner | Key 4-5 mm |
| Middle | Right side (between cameras) | Move to left side | Screwdriver/Key |
| Bottom | Bottom right corner | Move to left angle | Key/Pliers |
It is important to check the condition of the pins and hinge axes. If they have traces of rust or wear, it is better to lubricate them with graphite grease or lithol before installing them in a new location. This will ensure smooth door movement and no squeaks in the future.
What to do if the holes do not match?
Some older or specific models may require the use of adapter bushings or additional washers, which are often stored in the vegetable niche or in the technical compartment. If the standard holes do not match, check the package for the presence of such elements.
Features of hanging doors in two-chamber models
Two-chamber refrigerators Atlant have their own nuances associated with the presence of a common middle hinge and control system. In electronically controlled models, the question often arises: what to do with cable harnessthat runs inside the door? In most modern models, the cable has sufficient length and margin that allows you to move it to the other side without breaking or soldering.
Carefully disconnect the connectors (after photographing their position so as not to confuse during assembly) and lay the wires through the top housing or free space. Make sure that the wires are not stretched and do not fall into the area of movement of the hinges, otherwise when opening the door they may be cut or damage the insulation.
⚠️ Attention: In models with a display on the door or system Smart be extremely careful with the cables. Do not bend them at an angle of less than 90 degrees, as this can lead to broken contacts and electronic failure.
If your refrigerator is equipped with an automatic defrosting system, make sure that the drainage holes or grooves for draining water are also adapted to the new opening side, if the design requires it. Although in most cases Atlant provides for a symmetrical condensate drainage system.
Installing handles and decorative plugs
After the main mechanical work is completed and the hinges have been moved, it is necessary to rearrange the handles. Depending on the model, handles can be integrated (hidden) or overhead. If you have overhead handles, they need to be removed and screwed on the opposite side, using the same holes that were previously closed with plugs.
Hidden handles usually do not require rearrangement, but you need to make sure that the finger recess is now on the correct side. Pay special attention to the decorative plugs: those holes from which you removed the hinges and handles must be closed with plastic plugs. This is not only a matter of aesthetics, but also protecting the internal space from dust and moisture.
- 🔩 Remove the handles by unscrewing the screws from the inside of the door leaf.
- 🧩 Remove the plugs from the new holes for the handles.
- 🚪 Install the handles on the new one place and tighten the fasteners tightly.
- 🔘 Close the vacated holes with decorative plugs in the color of the case.
Sometimes the screws for handles may differ in length or type of thread. Carefully sort the fasteners so as not to confuse the upper and lower fasteners, as this can lead to damage to the plastic or metal of the door.
Installing the doors in place and final adjustment
The final stage is reassembly. Place the bottom door (freezer) on the bottom hinge, then put the middle hinge on and secure it. After this, install the top door on the middle hinge and close the structure with the top hinge. Do not tighten the bolts “all the way” right away - first just tighten them so that the structure is assembled.
Now you need to do adjusting the gaps. The door should fit tightly and evenly around the entire perimeter of the body. If you notice misalignment, loosen the middle or bottom hinge mounting bolts and slightly raise or lower the door to achieve the ideal position. Check the operation of the magnetic seal: it should adhere tightly to the body along the entire contour.
After the final adjustment, tighten all the bolts with a wrench with force, but without fanaticism, so as not to strip the threads. Plug in the refrigerator and leave it empty for 2-3 hours to set the temperature. Periodically check whether the door has moved under its own weight.
⚠️ Attention: Technical characteristics and hinge design may vary slightly depending on the year of manufacture and the specific series of the refrigerator. Always check the official instructions for your model if the standard scheme is in doubt.
Common errors and ways to eliminate them
One of the most common mistakes is insufficient tightening of fasteners, which leads to the door sagging over time. The other extreme is overtightening, due to which the door can be deformed or jammed. The Golden Mean this is achieved experimentally: the bolt must be tightened tightly, but the metal should not be deformed around the hole.
Also, users often forget to check the horizontal installation of the refrigerator itself. If the legs of the refrigerator Atlant are unevenly unscrewed, the door may not stay half-open or, conversely, slam shut too sharply. Adjusting the legs is an obligatory final touch.
If after all the manipulations you find that the seal does not fit in one of the corners, try warming it up Use a hairdryer (not too hot) to apply this area and press firmly. The rubber will become more elastic and take the desired shape.
Is it possible to turn the door on a refrigerator with a display?
Yes, on most models Atlant with a display this is possible. The control cable usually has sufficient length. However, in some budget or very old models, the length of the wire may be limited, which will require lengthening the cable, which is not recommended to do without skills in working with electronics.
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging?
Full defrosting is not necessary if you work quickly. However, if you plan to keep the doors open for a long time or the refrigerator is full, it is better to defrost and wash it so that water does not flow from the inside when the case is tilted.
What to do if the plugs for the holes are lost?
Plugs can be ordered at the manufacturer’s service center or you can pick up universal analogues in furniture fittings stores. As a last resort, the holes can be carefully sealed with a decorative sticker to match the body, although this is less aesthetically pleasing.
Why does the door not fit tightly after rehanging?
Most likely, the installation geometry of the hinges is broken or the seal itself is deformed. Check the tightness of the bolts and try heating the seal with a hairdryer. Also make sure that the shelves on the door do not interfere with the tight closure.