Changing the position of door hardware is a standard procedure when remodeling a kitchen, when it is necessary to change the opening direction of the refrigerator door. Owners of equipment Atlant often face this issue, since the design of many models initially provides for the possibility of reinstallation. The process does not require calling a specialist and can be done independently if you act carefully and consistently. The main difficulty is that different series of refrigerators use different fastening systems that require an individual approach.
Before starting work, it is extremely important to determine the type of your model, since the set of necessary tools and the algorithm of actions depend on this. Some handles are integrated, others are overhead, and others are hidden under decorative strips. Improper understanding of the design can lead to broken plastic parts or damage to the paintwork. In this article we will look at all the nuances so that you can safely re-hang the doors rehanging doors.
It is worth noting that the equipment warranty usually does not cover mechanical damage received during self-repair. If you are not confident in your abilities or see that the fasteners are rusty and do not give in, it is better to contact an authorized service center. However, in most cases, the replacement is completed in 20-30 minutes using a basic home master kit.
Preparation of the workplace and necessary tools
To successfully complete the task of rearranging the handle on the refrigerator Atlant it is necessary to prepare all the tools in advance so as not to be distracted during the process. You will need a Phillips and flathead screwdriver, as well as a set of open-end or socket wrenches, most often in sizes 8, 10 and 12 mm. Some models may require hexagons, so it is recommended to have a universal set on hand.
Pay special attention to organizing the space around the refrigerator. You will need free access from all sides, so it is better to move household appliances away from the wall and remove all foreign objects. It is recommended to cover the floor with soft material, such as thick cardboard or an old blanket, to avoid scratches on the floor and damage to the case if parts accidentally fall.
- 🛠️ Set of screwdrivers (phillips and flathead of different sizes)
- 🔧 Open-end wrenches or ratchet head
- 🔦 Flashlight for illuminating hard-to-reach places
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp edges
It is also important to ensure good lighting of the work area. Shadows can hide small fasteners or latches that are easy to miss in dim light. If natural light is not enough, use a portable lamp or a powerful flashlight.
☑️ Preparation for work
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. This is not only a safety requirement, but also a way to prevent accidental activation of the compressor or backlight during manipulations with the door.
Determining the type of handle design
Refrigerators Atlant are produced in various modifications, and the design of the handles can significantly differ. Older models often have protruding plastic or metal handles that are secured with screws on the inside of the door. In more modern series, hidden handles are popular, which are a recess at the end of the door or an aluminum profile running along the entire height.
If you have a model with a protruding handle, then the process of rearranging it, as a rule, involves dismantling the old one and installing a new one on the opposite side, if the kit includes holes. However, more often we are talking about hidden profile handles. In such cases, “rearrangement” means the actual replacement of the left profile with the right one or the symmetrical reinstallation of decorative elements.
To accurately determine the type of structure, look at the operating instructions for your specific model. There is always a diagram indicating all the elements. If the documentation is lost, you can find it on the Internet using the model number, which is usually located on a sticker inside the refrigerator compartment.
Sometimes users confuse the need to rearrange the handle with the need to adjust the hinges. If the handle is intact and strong, but the door warps, the problem may not be in the fittings, but in hinge mechanism. In this case, dismantling the handle is not required, you need to adjust the position of the blade itself.
Removing the old handle and preparing the door
The process of removing the handle begins with removing the decorative plugs, if present. On many models Atlant, the mounting holes are hidden under plastic covers, which need to be carefully pryed off with a thin flat screwdriver or knife. Be careful not to break the plastic, as it becomes brittle over time.
Once you have access to the fasteners, remove the screws. Depending on the model, the handle can be held on by two, three or four bolts. If the screws do not come out due to oxidation or the factory retainer, do not apply excessive force right away. Drop a little penetrating lubricant (for example, WD-40) and wait 5-10 minutes for the liquid to dissolve the rust.
| Model type Atlant | Fastener location | Required tools | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic (2-chamber) | On the inside of the door | Phillips screwdriver | You need to remove the decorative panel |
| XM-4000 series | Hidden screws at the end | 4 mm hexagon | Requires removal of the top cover |
| No Frost with profile | Along the entire length of the profile | Key by 10 mm | The profile is often solid, can be changed entirely |
| Small refrigerators | Bottom and top handles | Screwdriver and key | Often require replacing both handles |
After unscrewing all the bolts, carefully remove the handle. If it has dried or stuck, lightly tap it with a rubber mallet or palm, but do not jerk sharply so as not to damage the surface of the door. Clean the fastening area from dust and remnants of old sealant, if it was used during factory assembly.
What to do if the fastening breaks?
If the plastic seat for the screw inside the door is cracked, do not try to simply tighten the screw further. This will lead to the final destruction of the plastic. Use epoxy glue to repair the plastic or insert a wooden chip, having previously drilled a hole, to create a new support point for the screw.
Installing a new handle on the opposite side
Installing the handle in a new place is done in the reverse order of dismantling. First, try the handle on the prepared holes on the other side of the door. Make sure all holes line up and the handle fits snugly with no gaps. If you are installing a profile handle, check its symmetry relative to the center of the door.
Insert the fasteners and begin to tighten them by hand so as not to strip the threads. When the screws are fixed, use the tool for final tightening. Tightening torque It should be sufficient so that the handle does not wobble, but not excessive, so as not to push through the metal of the door or burst the plastic.
If the refrigerator came with special plugs for holes on the side where the handle was previously, install them now. This will give an aesthetic appearance and protect the internal cavities of the door from moisture and dust. In some Atlant models, these plugs are universal and suitable for any side.
- 📏 Check the horizontal installation using a level
- 🔩 Tighten the screws crosswise for uniform pressure
- 🧹 Remove fingerprints and dirt from the new handle
⚠️ Attention: If the holes on the new side are not drilled by the factory (which happens in budget models where only one side is provided), drilling the metal refrigerator door yourself is strictly not recommended. This will break the tightness of the thermal insulation layer and can lead to corrosion.
Adjusting and checking the operation of the door
After installing the handle, you must make sure that the door closes tightly and evenly. Often, after removing and installing fittings, adjustment of the hinges is required. Loosen the top and bottom hinge mounting bolts, level the door and tighten the bolts again. The door should open and close smoothly, without distortions or jams.
Check the operation of the magnetic seal. It should be adjacent to the body along the entire perimeter. If, after moving the handle, you notice that the door does not fit tightly, the handle may have been installed offset or deformed during installation. In this case, loosen the fastenings and correct the position.
Pay attention to the gap between the handle and the body of the refrigerator or adjacent pieces of furniture when opening. The new position of the handle should not interfere with the full opening of the door or scratch the side walls of the niche in which the refrigerator is located.
Frequent errors and ways to eliminate them
One of the most common errors is the loss of small fasteners. Screws and washers are very small and can roll under the refrigerator or into furniture crevices. To avoid this, use a magnetic tray or jar to collect all the removed items. If you have lost your original screw, do not use the first one you come across from a home set - it may be longer and damage the inner contour of the door.
Another mistake is ignoring cleaning the surface before installation. Grease stains or dust between the handle and the door will eventually lead to loosening of the structure. Wipe the installation area with a degreaser or alcohol before the final tightening.
Also, users often forget that after moving the handle, it may be necessary to rehang the door itself to the other side, if this was the purpose of the work. In this case, the procedure is much more complicated and requires moving the hinges, the door opening sensor rod and dismantling the decorative panels.
Is it possible to drill new holes for the handle if there are none?
Technically this is possible, but it is extremely undesirable. The refrigerator door is a complex “sandwich” of metal, plastic and polyurethane foam insulation. Drilling violates the integrity of the vapor barrier layer. Moisture from the air will begin to penetrate inside, causing corrosion of the metal and destruction of the insulation. If the factory does not provide holes, it is better to buy a universal overhead handle, which is mounted on brackets covering the end of the door, or accept the current arrangement.
What to do if the handle is loose after installation?
If after tightening the screws the handle continues to play, check whether the threads in the seats are not broken. If the threads are intact, there may be missing washers or spacers that may have gotten lost. In some cases, placing a thin rubber gasket between the handle and the door body helps, which will also reduce vibration.
Where can I get a new handle if the old one is broken?
Original spare parts for refrigerators Atlant can be ordered at official brand service centers or in specialized online spare parts stores for household appliances. When ordering, be sure to indicate the full model number of the refrigerator, since externally similar handles may have different distances between the mounting holes.
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before moving the handle?
Full defrosting is not required, since you do not affect the cooling system. However, it is recommended to clear the door shelves of heavy products to reduce the load on the hinges and frame during work. This will make it easier to manipulate the door and reduce the risk of damage.