Many owners of household appliances are faced with a situation where the standard location of refrigerator doors becomes inconvenient. This may be due to remodeling the kitchen, installing new furniture, or simply wanting to optimize the space. In such cases, it becomes necessary to change the opening side of the sash, which automatically requires moving the handles. For refrigerators Atlant this procedure is quite doable at home if you strictly follow the sequence of actions.
Modern models of the Belarusian manufacturer are often equipped with hidden or integrated handles, the design of which differs from the classic wall-mounted options. Understanding your specific unit is key to success. In this article we will look in detail at how to properly dismantle the old fasteners, move the fittings to the opposite side and adjust the gaps so that the door closes hermetically.
Before starting work, it is important to prepare the necessary tools and free up the working space around the refrigerator. Careless attitude to fastening elements or violation of the sequence of steps can lead to damage to the door leaf or violation of the geometry of the body. Carefully study the features of your model, since two-chamber and single-chamber refrigerators Atlant may have their own installation nuances.
Design features of handles of different Atlant models
Refrigerators Atlant are produced in a huge number of modifications, and their handle designs can differ radically. Older models often use overlay elements that are fastened with self-tapping screws on the inside of the door. More modern series, such as XM 4425 or XM 6025, use mortise or hidden handles that are part of a plastic edging or end panel. It is the type of construction that determines the complexity of the work ahead.
If you have a classic one installed overlay handle, the process of transferring it comes down to unscrewing the fasteners and installing to new seats on the opposite side. However, when it comes to hidden handles integrated into the door profile, the situation becomes more complicated. In such cases, it is often necessary not just to transfer, but to replace the decorative overlays or use special plugs to hide the holes on the old side. Some models do not provide for the transfer of handles at all without replacing the door panels.
It is important to understand that opening mechanism is directly related to the hinge system. When changing the side of the door opening, the load on the handle changes, so the quality of its fixation plays a critical role. Loose fasteners can cause the door to jerk open, which is dangerous for the seal and compressor. Before starting work, be sure to check with product data sheetto make sure that your model technically allows overhang.
⚠️ Attention: Some budget models of Atlant refrigerators have holes for handles drilled on only one sides. An attempt to drill new holes yourself can compromise the integrity of the thermal insulation layer and lead to corrosion of the metal.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
For high-quality rearrangement of handles and rehanging doors, you will need a minimum set of tools that can be found in the arsenal of any home craftsman. The main tool will be hex wrench (usually 4 mm or 5 mm), since most fasteners in the Atlant technique have exactly this type of head. You may also need a Phillips screwdriver, a 10 or 12 mm wrench and a flat spatula for removing decorative plugs.
Particular attention should be paid to surface preparation. It is better to cover the floor in the work area with soft material, such as a blanket or thick cardboard, to avoid scratches when installing removed doors. You will also need a container for folding fastenersas the loss of even one small screw can stop the whole process. It is recommended to use a magnetic tray or cup labeled with a marker.
Before starting dismantling, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. This is not only a requirement safety precautionsbut also a necessity to prevent accidental activation of the compressor or damage to the wiring passing through the hinges (in models with a display on the door). Let the unit stand turned off for 10-15 minutes so that the oil in the compressor flows into the crankcase, although for replacing handles this is less critical than for repairing the refrigeration system.
☑️ Preparation for work
Removing the door and old fittings
The process of removing the door begins with dismantling the top hinge. Depending on the model Atlant, it may be closed with a decorative plastic cover, which must be carefully pryed off with a knife or flat-head screwdriver. After removing the cover, you will see the bolts securing the hinge. They need to be unscrewed, but not removed completely until the door is firmly in place to prevent it from falling. It is better to perform this operation with an assistant.
After loosening the upper hinge, the door is carefully lifted and removed from the lower axis. Place it on the prepared surface with the outside facing up. Now you can start withdrawing handles. If it is overhead, remove the screws from the inside of the door leaf. If the handle is part of a trim piece, the entire panel may need to be removed. Be careful with plastic latches; they are fragile and easily break if handled carelessly.
There will be holes in the place of the old handle. If the new handle position does not completely cover the old holes, they must be masked. For this purpose, the refrigerator is often supplied with the same color as the body. If there are no plugs, you can use special furniture stickers or carefully paint over the holes, matching the paint to match. The main thing is not to leave open the holes leading inside the thermal insulation so that moisture does not get in. plugs the same color as the body. If there are no plugs, you can use special furniture stickers or carefully paint over the holes, matching the paint to match. The main thing is not to leave open the holes leading into the insulation so that moisture does not get there.
What to do if the screws are rusty?
If the fastening screws of the handle or hinges are stuck and will not come off, do not use excessive force so as not to tear them off hats. Treat the joint with a penetrating lubricant (such as WD-40) and leave for 15-20 minutes. After this, try to carefully remove the screw, warming it slightly with a hairdryer, if the design allows it. As a last resort, drill out the cap with a drill of a smaller diameter, and unscrew the rest with pliers.
Instructions for installing handles on the new side
Installing handles on the new side requires precise positioning. Refrigerator doors Atlantintended for hanging should already have mounting holes threaded or through channels for screws on the back side. Insert the handle into these holes and make sure it fits snugly and without distortion. If the holes are through, use the included bushings or washers for proper fixation.
The handle is fastened from the inside of the door leaf. Screw in the screws evenly without fully tightening them all at once. First tighten all the screws by hand, then tighten them alternately with a wrench. This will ensure that the handle fits evenly to the surface of the door and prevents cracks in the plastic or deformation of the metal. The tightening torque should be sufficient so that the handle does not wobble, but not excessive.
For models with hidden handles The procedure may include the installation of new decorative profiles. Remove the old profile from the end of the door (if the design allows) and install a new set on the other side. Make sure that the latch mechanism (if the handle has one) works correctly and the lock tongue moves freely. After installation, check the operation of the handle by opening and closing the door several times in the open position.
Comparison of fastening types and compatibility
Not all handles are universal, and when moving it is important to consider the compatibility of fastening elements. Below is a table that helps determine the type of fastening and the necessary actions for various series of Atlant refrigerators. This will help to avoid mistakes when selecting hardware.
| Handle type | Atlant models | Fasteners | Carrying features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic invoice | XM series 4000, 4100 | M4 self-tapping screws | The holes are often through, plugs are needed |
| Mortise (recessed) | XM series 4200, 4300 | Countersunk head screws | Exact match of the recess profile is required |
| Hidden (at the end) | XM 6000 series, 6200 | Internal latches | Often requires replacing the entire end plate |
| Integrated | Designer series | Glue + screws | Transfer is impossible without damage, a new panel is needed |
As can be seen from the table, for overlay handles the process is the simplest, since they are fastened with standard hardware. In the case of mortise options, it is important not to lose special washers or bushings that can be installed at the factory. If you change the type of handles (for example, replace the factory ones with universal ones), make sure that the distance between the centers of the mounting holes matches. The standard center-to-center distance is often 128 mm or 160 mm, but there are exceptions.
Compatibility also depends on the thickness of the door leaf. Modern refrigerators with thin walls and large capacity use reinforced handles that distribute the load over a larger area. Installing a light handle from an old model on a new massive refrigerator Atlant can lead to its rapid failure. Always evaluate bearing capacity a new fastening point.
Adjustment and checking for tightness after transfer
After the handles have been rearranged and the doors are in place, careful adjustment must be made. The door should close tightly around the entire perimeter, without gaps. If you notice that the door does not fit tightly in the area of the new handle, you may need to adjust the installation height of the hinge or the position of the fastening element handle itself, if it structurally affects the fit of the leaf.
Checking the tightness can be done in a simple way. Take a sheet of A4 paper, clamp it between the door and the body of the refrigerator and try to pull it out. The paper should be pulled out with noticeable force. If the sheet slides out freely or, conversely, the door cannot be closed with the sheet inserted, then adjustment is required. In refrigerators Atlant adjustment is often carried out by turning the adjusting screws in the supports or tightening the hinges.
Pay attention to the work seal (rubber bands) in the area where the new handle is installed. During drilling or installation, microscopic irregularities may have formed that prevent a tight fit. Wipe the seal with warm water and soap to remove dust and grease from your hands left during operation. A clean seal adheres better to the metal and provides better insulation.
⚠️ Attention: After hanging the doors and moving the handles, the refrigerator needs time to stabilize the temperature (about 4-6 hours). Do not load the chamber with products immediately, so as not to create unnecessary load on the compressor and allow the seal to straighten out.
Frequent errors and troubleshooting
One of the most common mistakes is loss or confusion screws from the upper and lower loops. They may differ in thread length and diameter. Driving a long screw into a short hole will damage the inside wall of the door or even pierce the insulation. Always sort the fasteners as you dismantle.
Another mistake is ignoring the floor level. If the refrigerator is not level, the door may open on its own or, conversely, not close completely, creating the illusion of a problem with the handle or hinges. Before starting work, be sure to align the unit strictly horizontally using adjustable supports and a building level. Only then change the opening side.
Sometimes users forget to reconnect the wires going to the door opening sensor or display (if it is located on the leaf). If after assembly the light in the refrigerator does not light up or the display does not work, check connectors at the top of the case. They may have come off when the door was removed. Also check if the wires are pinched by the hinge mechanism.
What to do if the door sag after transfer?
Door sagging is a common consequence of improper assembly. Check that the bottom hinge bolts are tightened tightly. If the play persists, the door itself or the axis may have become deformed. Try lifting the door slightly upward as you screw in the top hinge to adjust the gap. If the problem is the wear of the hinge bushings, they need to be replaced.
Is it possible to rearrange the handles if there are no holes on the other side?
If there are no technological holes for fasteners on the back side of the door leaf, self-drilling is highly not recommended. This will compromise the integrity of the inner layer, and condensation will begin to accumulate at the drilling site, which will lead to corrosion and swelling of the coating. In such cases, it is better to leave the handles as is or contact the service center for advice on the possibility of installing universal overhead handles that do not require through drilling.
Is it necessary to change the seal when rehanging the doors?
Replacing the seal is not a mandatory procedure when moving handles if the old rubber profile is intact and elastic and fits well. However, if the seal is more than 5-7 years old, it could lose its properties (“harden”). In this case, while the door is removed, it is advisable to replace the seal with a new one, as this will improve the energy efficiency of the refrigerator Atlant.
Will the temperature settings be lost after a shutdown?
In most modern models of Atlant refrigerators with electronic control, the temperature settings are saved in the controller's memory even after the power is turned off. However, in some older or simple mechanical models, the controls may be analog and their position will not change. After turning on, check the readings on the display and, if necessary, adjust the operating mode.
How to remove the decorative hinge panel if it cannot be removed?
Decorative hinge covers are often held on by hidden latches. Don't try to force them off. Inspect the panel from all sides; sometimes the latch is hidden on the side or bottom. Use a thin plastic tool (pick, old credit card) to pry up the panel. Metal tools can leave scratches on the glossy surface.