The need to change the direction of opening the refrigerator door Atlant often arises when remodeling a kitchen or changing the interior. The standard factory configuration assumes a right-hand opening, which is not convenient for all planning solutions. The process of rearranging handles and hinges requires care, but can be done at home without calling a professional. A correctly performed procedure guarantees the preservation of tightness and the aesthetic appearance of the equipment.
Before starting work, it is important to make sure that the model of your refrigerator allows such modification, as there are exceptions. In most cases rehanging the doors takes from 30 to 60 minutes, if you follow a clear algorithm of actions. Ignoring the sequence of operations can lead to misalignment of the doors or damage to the seal.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
Quality performance of the work directly depends on the preparation of the tools. You will need a set of screwdrivers, including Phillips and flat head, and appropriately sized socket wrenches or sockets. To protect the floor covering and the unit itself, it is recommended to use soft rags or cardboard.
Particular attention should be paid to the choice of location for work. The space should be well lit so that you can clearly see the mounting points and small parts. Give access to the side walls of the refrigerator in advance by moving it away from the wall.
- 🔧 Phillips and flathead screwdrivers for removing plugs and screws.
- 🔑 A set of socket heads or a wrench (usually 10 mm) for the main bolts.
- 🧣 Soft fabric or cardboard to protect the body and floor.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges.
Some models Atlant may have hidden fasteners that require a specific approach. If you are not sure about the type of fastener, it is better to consult the technical documentation of a specific series.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. Working with live electrical appliances is strictly prohibited by safety rules.
☑️ Preparation for rehanging the doors
Dismantling the top hinge and removing the top door
The process begins from the top of the unit, as this ensures the stability of the structure during further manipulations. First you need to remove the decorative plug that hides the fasteners of the upper hinge. Usually it is pryed off with a flat screwdriver or simply removed by hand, if the design allows it.
After gaining access to the bolts, they need to be carefully unscrewed, holding the door with a second hand or asking an assistant. Upper hinge often has a complex design, so it is important to remember the position of all washers and gaskets.
After removing the hinge, carefully lift the upper door and remove it from the lower axis. Place the door on a prepared soft surface so as not to damage the floor or the door itself. Now access to the internal mechanisms and handles is open.
If on your model the handle is integrated into the body or has a complex fastening system, proceed with caution. Sudden movements can break the plastic latches, which will then have to be restored.
Removing and rearranging the handles on the doors
The most critical stage is this direct rearranging the handles. On most refrigerator models Atlant the handles are secured with screws on the inside of the door. After removing the door from its hinges, you will see holes closed with decorative plugs.
Unscrew the mounting screws holding the handle. In some modifications, the handle may be glued to double-sided tape for additional fixation, so a slight force may be required to tear it off. Be careful not to damage the door covering.
On the opposite side of the door there should be symmetrical holes closed with factory plugs. Carefully remove them and replace them in place of the former fasteners. Then install the handle in new places and secure with screws.
The process is repeated for the second door if you change the opening side of both doors. It is important not to confuse the upper and lower handles, as they may have different geometries.
| Element | Action | Tool |
|---|---|---|
| Decorative plug | Remove and rearrange | Flat screwdriver |
| Handle fixing screw | Unscrew/Tighten | Phillips screwdriver |
| Door handle | Remove/Install | Hands/Suction cup |
| Bottom support | Move to the other side | 10 mm wrench |
Make sure that the screws screwed tightly, but without excessive force, so as not to break the thread in the plastic. Critical important check that the handle does not protrude beyond the dimensions of the case after installation, otherwise the door will not close hermetically.
Reweighing the lower support and installing the doors
After working with the handles, you need to move the lower support (pin) to the opposite side. To do this, unscrew the adjustable foot of the refrigerator from the front to release the axle. Then unscrew the pin itself from the lower corner of the door and screw it into a symmetrical hole on the other side.
Do not forget to rearrange the locking sleeve or washer, if provided for by the design. This will ensure the correct position of the door relative to the body. Now you can begin installation.
Install the bottom door into place by sliding it onto the rearranged pin. Then install the top door and line up the holes for the top hinge. Insert the bolts and start tightening them, but do not tighten them all the way yet.
- 🚪 Check the vertical installation of the doors visually.
- 🔩 Tighten the top hinge bolts evenly, alternating sides.
- 📏 Make sure that the gaps between the doors and the body are the same throughout length.
- 🧊 Check the operation of the magnetic lock and the tightness of the seal.
Final adjustment of the height of the refrigerator legs will help compensate for possible floor distortions and ensure that the doors close themselves. The door should open smoothly, without creaking or jamming.
Adjusting gaps and checking tightness
After installing all the elements, it is necessary to carry out a thorough check. Incorrect adjustment can cause the refrigerator to close poorly or, conversely, not stay closed. This directly affects energy consumption the life of the compressor.
Use a building level or just a visual assessment to make sure the doors are level. If skew is noticeable, loosen the top hinge, level the door and tighten the bolts again.
Check the tightness of the sealing rubber around the entire perimeter. It should touch the body evenly. If a gap has formed in some place, try slightly heating the seal with a hairdryer and straightening it, or adjusting the height of the refrigerator leg on the appropriate side.
⚠️ Attention: If, after rehanging the doors, the refrigerator began to consume more electricity or freeze in the chamber, it means that the seal is broken. Re-adjustment is required.
Plug in the refrigerator and let it work for a couple of hours. Periodically check the temperature inside the chambers and the operation of the No Frost system (if equipped). The absence of extraneous noise when opening and closing is a good sign.
Frequent errors and ways to eliminate them
When doing work on their own, beginners often make common mistakes. One of the most common is the loss of small parts such as washers or plugs. To avoid this, place all removed elements in a separate container in the order in which they were removed.
Another mistake is overtightening the screws. Excessive force can lead to cracks in the plastic elements of the door or deformation of the metal. Tighten the fasteners until you feel them stop, but without fanaticism.
They also often forget to rearrange the stoppers or door opening limiters, if they are included in the model. This can cause the door to open too wide and bump into furniture or walls.
What to do if the handle does not fit into place?
If the holes do not line up or the handle fits askew, check to see if you have mixed up the top and bottom handles. It is also possible that the decorative plugs on the back side interfere with a tight fit - they need to be completely recessed or replaced with thinner ones.
If you are faced with a situation where the door is skewed even after adjustment, the seal may have been damaged or the door itself was deformed during transportation. In such cases, it may be necessary to replace the sealing rubber.
Is it possible to rearrange the handles on an Atlant refrigerator with the No Frost system?
Yes, on most models with the No Frost system, reversing the doors is possible. However, the design may be more complex due to the presence of additional ducts or sensors in the doors. Be careful not to damage the wires going to the display or light bulb.
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging the doors?
Full defrosting is not necessary if you work quickly. However, it is recommended to remove all products and shelves in order to lighten the weight of the doors and avoid glass shelves falling when the doors are tilted.
What to do if the handle plug is lost?
Plugs can be ordered at a service center or picked up universal analogues in furniture fittings stores. Temporarily, the hole can be sealed with a decorative sticker matched to the color of the body.
Does re-hanging the doors affect the warranty?
According to the law, re-hanging the doors yourself should not void the warranty if the refrigerator components were not damaged in the process. However, if a malfunction occurs, the service may require evidence that the breakdown is not related to your actions.