A change in the layout of the kitchen or simply a desire to improve the ergonomics of the space often dictates the need to change the opening side of the refrigerator door. Equipment owners Atlant face this issue regularly, since the design of these units allows this procedure to be performed without calling a technician. However, the process is not always intuitive, especially when it comes to models with hidden handles or specific fastening systems. Incorrect actions can lead to damage to decorative elements or loss of tightness.
Before starting any work, it is important to make sure that you are dealing with exactly the model that supports reverse. Most modern two-chamber refrigerators of this brand are universal, but there are exceptions, especially in older series or built-in solutions. Rearranging the handle - this is only part of the complex process of rehanging the entire door, since the handle is rigidly connected to the panel and hinges. Ignoring this fact will result in the door simply not closing on the new side.
In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions for various modifications, paying special attention to the nuances of dismantling and subsequent adjustment. You don't need sophisticated equipment, just a basic set of tools and attentiveness. We will look at how to properly remove the plugs, move the mounting holes and, most importantly, how to avoid common mistakes that can cost you the integrity of the plastic elements.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting work, be sure to unplug the refrigerator from the power supply and empty the doors of food to reduce the load on the hinges and avoid injuries.
Necessary tools and worker training places
The success of the operation directly depends on how well you prepared. You don't need a professional service kit, but you won't need a kitchen knife either. The main tool will be a hexagon (usually 4 mm or 5 mm), which often comes with the refrigerator, but can get lost. You'll also need a flat-head screwdriver for removing trim, and perhaps a 10mm wrench for some hinge models.
Space organization is critical. The refrigerator must be pulled out so as to provide access from all sides, but without damaging the floor covering. It is easier to move a heavy unit with two people or using special furniture mats. Prepare a container in advance for storing small bolts and screws, as they tend to get lost at the most inopportune moment.
- 🔧 Hex wrench (4 mm or 5 mm) is the main tool for removing hinges.
- 🔨 Flat-head screwdriver - necessary for carefully prying off plugs and plastic covers.
- 🧤 Work gloves - will protect your hands from sharp metal edges and contaminants inside the mechanisms.
- 🧹 Soft rags - to wipe the mounting points from dust before installing new plugs.
Particular attention should be paid to lighting. The process requires visual monitoring of the condition of threaded connections and the integrity of the plastic. In dim light, it is easy not to notice a crack on the mounting ear or mix up the length of the screws, which can lead to breakage of the door during subsequent operation.
Determining the type of design and model compatibility
Not all refrigerators Atlant are the same. There are several generations and series, each of which has its own design features. First of all, it is necessary to determine the type of handle: external (overhead) or integrated (hidden). The dismantling method depends on this. In models with an external handle, it is attached directly to the door leaf, while in hidden versions the handle is part of the end structure.
It is important to check the technical data sheet of your model. Some budget versions may not have pre-prepared holes on the opposite side of the door. If there are no holes, self-drilling is not recommended, as you may damage the internal circuit or condensate drainage system. In such cases weighing technically impossible without professional intervention.
| Type of model | Location of fastenings | Complexity of work | Required parts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic (MXM series) | Holes on both sides | Low | Plugs from the kit |
| With hidden handle | Hidden under the decor | Medium | Additional. screws (often included) |
| Built-in equipment | Specific fastening | High | Special brackets |
| Single chamber (old) | Only one side | Impossible | Door replacement required |
It is also worth paying attention to the condition of the seal. If you plan to change the opening side, make sure that the rubber profile does not have creases or deformations. When rehanging the door, the old bend of the seal may no longer fit tightly to the body, which will require replacing it or taking a long time to restore its shape with a hairdryer.
How to find out if there are holes on the other side?
Carefully inspect the end of the door on the opposite side. There should be plastic plugs or threaded holes covered with decorative film. If the surface is smooth and monolithic, the model does not support reverse.
Dismantling the door and removing old fittings
The process begins with dismantling the top cover of the refrigerator (if there is one) and the top hinge. Carefully remove the trim to gain access to the bolts. Unscrew the top hinge, but do not remove it completely until the load is relieved. Then you need to hold the door and unscrew the bolts that secure the hinge to the door leaf.
After removing the upper hinge, the door can be carefully lifted and removed from the lower axis. This is the most crucial moment, requiring physical strength, since the door with shelves can be heavy. Place the door on a prepared soft surface (for example, on a folded blanket) with the outer side down so as not to scratch the facade.
Now you can begin Removing the handle. Depending on the model, the screws may be located on the front under the decorative caps or on the inside of the door. Use a flathead screwdriver to pry off the plastic caps that hide the screw heads. Proceed with caution, the plastic in older models can be fragile.
☑️ Removing the door
⚠️ Attention: Do not try to forcefully tear off the handle if it does not give in. Check that all the screws are unscrewed; sometimes one hidden bolt can block removal.
Technology for installing the handle on a new side
Installation is carried out in the reverse order of dismantling, but using holes on the opposite side. First, make sure that all threaded holes in the new location are free of factory paint or contaminants. If the holes were closed with plugs, remove them and save them for installation in the old place.
Attach the handle to the door and align the mounting holes. Insert the screws and start tightening them by hand to avoid stripping the threads. Only after all the screws are in place can you tighten them with a tool. Tightening torque It should be sufficient for reliable fixation, but not excessive so that the plastic of the handle base does not crack.
For models with hidden handles, the process may require rearranging the internal mechanism latches or pulls. In such cases, it is often necessary to remove the inner door panel to gain access to the mechanism. Here it is important to remember or photograph the initial position of the rods in order to correctly assemble the structure from the new side.
After fixing the handle, check its movement. It should not dangle or have any play. If the handle is wobbly, try tightening the screws another half turn. If the problem persists, it is possible that the distance between the holes on the handle and the door does not match due to a manufacturing defect or deformation.
Assembling the structure and hanging the door
When the handle is securely fixed, you can begin hanging the door. Install the bottom hinge to a new location (on the opposite end of the refrigerator body), if the design allows for its relocation. In most models Atlant the lower hinge is symmetrical and is simply rearranged in a mirror manner.
Place the door onto the lower axis, holding it in a vertical position. Align the holes in the top hinge with the holes on the end of the door and screw in the mounting bolts. Do not tighten them all the way right away. First, tighten all the bolts, visually align the door, and only then make the final tightening.
- 🔩 Install the lower hinge to a new place on the body.
- 🚪 Place the door on the lower axis, keeping it vertical.
- 🔨 Fix the upper hinge bolts, but do not tighten completely.
- 📏 Check the evenness of the gaps and the fit of the seal.
At this stage, it is important to check the operation closer (if any) and the tightness of the closure. The door should close tightly around its entire perimeter. If one side fits worse, you will need to adjust the height of the door by tightening the adjusting bolts on the hinges.
Adjustment and final tightness check
The final stage is fine tuning. Often, after rehanging, the door may warp or not fit tightly in the upper or lower corner. To eliminate this, use the adjusting screws on the hinges. By turning them, you can raise or lower the corners of the door, achieving a uniform fit of the seal.
Checking the tightness can be done in a simple way: close the door with a sheet of paper so that part of it remains outside. Try to pull out the sheet. If it comes out easily without resistance, it means that the seal does not fit in this place. Walk like this around the entire perimeter.
After adjustment, install decorative plugs on the old holes. If the original plugs do not match in color or shape (since they could be of a different color on the reverse side), you can order universal ones or paint the holes to match the body, if this is allowed by the design.
⚠️ Attention: If after adjustment the gaps remain uneven, the door leaf itself may be deformed or the refrigerator body may be skewed. In this case, simply re-hanging the handle will not solve the problem.
Frequent errors and ways to eliminate them
One of the most common mistakes is losing or mixing up screws. Fasteners for the top and bottom hinges often differ in length and thread pitch. Installing a long screw in a short hole can lead to piercing the inner wall the door and the exit of freon, which is fatal for the refrigerator.
Another mistake is ignoring the condition of the seal. When changing the opening side, the direction of bending of the elastic band changes. The old seal may “remember” the old bend and move away from the body. In this case, you need to warm it up with a hairdryer and press it, or replace it with a new one.
Also, users often forget to rearrange the door opening limiter (if the model has one). This is a plastic or metal stop that prevents the door from swinging open 180 degrees and hitting the wall or furniture. If you do not rearrange it, the door will only open 90 degrees or, conversely, hit the wall.
What to do if the screws are rusty and cannot be unscrewed?
Do not use excessive force so as not to tear off the cap. Treat the joint with a penetrating lubricant (such as WD-40) and leave for 15-20 minutes. Then try to gently remove the screw by lightly tapping the screwdriver. If the cap comes off, use an extractor or try to grab the remains with pliers.
Is it possible to hang a door if there are no holes on the other side?
It is strictly not recommended to drill new holes yourself without special templates and knowledge of the design. High risk of damage to the internal chamber or refrigerant circulation system. In such cases, it is better to contact a service center or leave the door as is.
Do you need to wait after turning on the refrigerator?
Yes, after transporting and manipulating the door (especially if the refrigerator was tilted more than 40 degrees), it is recommended to stand the unit in a vertical position for 2-4 hours before turning it on. This is necessary for the oil to drain into the compressor.
Why does the door not hold with a magnet after rehanging?
Perhaps the seal does not fit tightly due to improper adjustment of the hinges or contamination of the magnetic tape. Check the clearances and tighten the adjusting screws if necessary. Also, the magnetic tape could move inside the seal during dismantling.
Where can I get new plugs for old holes?
Plugs can be found in spare parts stores for household appliances, ordering them according to the model of the refrigerator. You can temporarily use decorative furniture plugs of a suitable color and diameter, picking them up at a hardware store.