A change in the layout of the kitchen or simply a desire to make the space more ergonomic often dictates new rules for arranging furniture. In such situations, the standard location of the refrigerator can become an obstacle, especially if the door opens in an inconvenient direction, blocking the passage or access to other areas. Fortunately, most models Atlant are designed with this possibility in mind, allowing you to change the direction of opening the doors without calling a specialist.
The process of hanging a door requires care, accuracy and a minimum set of tools that can be found in every home. This is not just a mechanical action, but a precise operation, where it is important not to damage sealing rubber and to set the gaps correctly so that the equipment works silently and hermetically. In this article we will analyze in detail all stages of work, based on the technical features of two-chamber models of the Belarusian manufacturer.
Before proceeding with dismantling, it is necessary to free up the working space and prepare the unit itself. Make sure that the refrigerator is unplugged and that food is temporarily moved so that it does not interfere with access to the fixtures. It is also worth studying the design of the hinges of your specific model in advance, since in different series Atlant there may be minor differences in the fittings.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
Quality preparation is half the success of any repair operation. To work with door hinges, you will need a basic DIY kit that will allow you to avoid damage to decorative surfaces and loss of small parts. The main tool will be wrench or a set of heads, since the mounting bolts are often tightened tightly enough to ensure tightness.
You also cannot do without a screwdriver; it is advisable to have both a Phillips and a flat one on hand in order to be able to pry out plastic plugs or remove decorative ones overlays. Some models require the use of hexagons, so check the equipment of your refrigerator - often the necessary key is already in the technical data sheet.
To protect the floor covering and the unit itself from scratches during operation, it is recommended to lay thick cardboard or a soft blanket. This is especially true if you plan to tilt the refrigerator to access the lower fastenings.
☑️ Preparing to rehang the doors
It is important to have a container on hand for storing screws and bolts so as not to lose a single part during the dismantling process. Small elements can roll under the refrigerator, and finding them will take a lot of time.
Dismantling the top door and removing fittings
You should always start work from the top door, since it is attached to the body and the bottom door independently. The first step is to remove the top decorative panel, if your model has one. Usually it is fixed with latches or a small screw that needs to be carefully unscrewed.
After removing the plug, access to the top hinge will open. It is important here to keep the door in an upright position so that it does not fall after unscrewing the bolts. It is best to perform this operation together: one person holds the sash, the second operates the key.
Unscrew the bolts securing the top hinge and remove it along with the axle. Now the top door can be carefully set aside, having first removed the intermediate elements from it, if any. Pay attention to the condition seal: if there are creases on it, you can try to straighten them with a hairdryer, but this must be done carefully.
On the freed top panel of the case there will be holes from the old hinge and a plug on the opposite side. The plugs must be removed and replaced in place of the former fasteners in order to maintain the aesthetic appearance of the equipment. In some models Atlant the plugs have a universal shape and are easily interchanged.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use excessive force when removing decorative panels. The plastic on older models can be fragile, and one awkward movement will lead to the appearance of cracks that cannot be hidden.
Re-hanging the bottom door and freezer
The bottom of the refrigerator, be it the freezer or just the bottom compartment, requires more careful handling due to the presence of additional elements such as handles or No Frost systems. The process begins with removing the handle, if it interferes with access to the hinges or needs to be rearranged.
Next, the lower support hinge is unscrewed. Unlike the top one, it often bears the main load of the door's weight, so the bolts can be very tight. Use a wrench with a long handle or a crank to create the necessary leverage, but be careful that the tool does not slip and damage the frame.
After removing the hinge, the door is freed. At this moment it is important not to drop it on the floor. If the design includes pins or axles, they must be removed and moved to the opposite side. In models with the system No Frost be attentive to the wires going to the sensors or indicators on the door.
What to do if the bolts are rusty?
If the mounting bolts are stuck and do not unscrew, do not try to tear them off by force. Treat the joint with a penetrating lubricant (such as WD-40) and leave for 15-20 minutes. After this, the thread should turn easily.
On the refrigerator body, it is also necessary to move the lower support sleeve or pin to the opposite side. For this purpose, the kit often comes with a special stopper or plug. Make sure that the new support element is installed level and securely fixed, since the smooth movement of the door depends on this.
Installation of doors on the new side and adjustment
Assembling the structure on the new side is carried out in the reverse order of dismantling. First, the lower door is installed on the new support sleeve. It is important to correctly align the holes in the door with the holes in the body and bottom hinge.
Secure the bottom hinge, but do not tighten the bolts all the way yet. This will allow for precise adjustment of the gaps in the future. Then the upper door is hung. Here it is critical to get the axis of the upper hinge into the response hole on the body.
| Work stage | Required tool | Key point |
|---|---|---|
| Removing the upper door | Key 10, screwdriver | Hold the door so it doesn’t fall |
| Rearranging the supports | Pliers, hexagon | Do not lose the locking pins |
| Installation on a new side | Wrench | Do not immediately tighten the bolts all the way |
| Final adjustment | Level, wrench | Achieve parallelism of the doors |
After installing both the valves can begin the final tightening of the fasteners. Do this sequentially, making sure that the doors do not warp. If you notice a misalignment, loosen the bolts and align the position of the shutters relative to the body.
Nuances of working with models of different Atlant series
Equipment Atlant has been produced for several decades, and during this time the design of hinges and fasteners has changed. Older models often used simple metal hinges that required physical strength to install. Modern series are equipped with more complex mechanisms with plastic bushings and hidden fasteners.
Particular attention should be paid to models with the system Full No Frost. They can have electrical wires running through the loops to power a fan or a door open indicator. When rehanging such doors, you cannot simply rearrange the hinges - you must carefully disconnect the connectors and transfer the wiring harness to new channels.
In some cases, it may be necessary to rearrange the handle itself. If the handle is attached with screws from the inside of the door, there will be no problems. However, if the handle is integrated into the profile or has a hidden mechanism, complete disassembly of the door panel may be required, which is best done according to the official diagram for your model.
⚠️ Attention: The design of the hinges and the presence of wires may vary depending on the year of manufacture. Always check the technical documentation specifically for your device, since there is no universal scheme for all modifications.
It is also worth mentioning magnetic latches. When changing the opening side, make sure that the counterpart of the lock (if there is one on the body) is also rearranged or switched to the desired mode, if the design allows it.
Adjusting gaps and checking tightness
After all the doors are installed in their new places, it is necessary to check the quality of fit of the seal around the entire perimeter. A loose fit will lead to loss of cold, freezing of the chambers and increased load on the compressor.
To check, close the doors and try to pass a sheet of paper between the seal and the housing. The paper should be pulled out with noticeable force along the entire perimeter. If in any place the sheet falls out freely or is pulled out too easily, adjustment is required.
Adjustment is carried out by loosening the hinge mounting bolts and slightly moving the door up, down, left or right. The movements should be minimal, literally a millimeter, after which the bolts are tightened again to check the result.
Also check the operation of the doors for opening and closing. They should move smoothly, without creaking or jamming. If the door opens on its own or, conversely, does not close completely, the refrigerator may not be level. Adjust the height of the front support legs to ensure a slight tilt of the body back.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
One of the most common mistakes is the loss of fasteners. Small bolts and washers easily get lost in the carpet pile or roll under the baseboard. To avoid this, use a magnetic tray or jar with a lid to store all the removed parts.
Another mistake is ignoring the condition of the seal. When dismantling doors, the rubber often becomes deformed. If you do not pay attention to this, the seal will be broken after assembly. In such cases, the seal can be heated with hot air from a hairdryer or soaked in hot water to restore elasticity.
Some users forget to move the plugs to the places of the old holes. This not only spoils the appearance, but also creates additional cavities through which warm air or dust can penetrate. Always check that all technological openings are closed.
⚠️ Attention: If after hanging the door begins to touch the body or shelves, do not try to forcefully slam it. This will lead to destruction of the plastic or damage to the seal. Remove the door again and check that the hinges are installed correctly.
Remember that rushing in such a matter does not lead to anything good. It is better to spend an extra 15 minutes checking each unit than to then disassemble the structure again due to misalignment.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Is it necessary to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging the doors?
Yes, this is a prerequisite. There should be no ice inside the chambers, and the unit itself should be dry. In addition, when defrosting, you will free up the shelves, which will make it easier to access the internal walls and hinges if you need access from the inside.
Is it possible to hang the door alone, without an assistant?
Technically, this is possible, but it is highly not recommended, especially for two-chamber models. Doors are heavy and bulky and are easy to drop or damage the casing. Having a second person to hold the door significantly simplifies the process and increases safety.
What to do if the new holes for the hinges do not match the holes in the door?
In the original doors Atlant the holes for the hinges are usually provided on both sides and are closed with plugs. If there are no holes, your model may not be designed to be hung, or the door itself may need to be replaced with a universal one. Drilling new holes is not provided at the factory and may compromise the integrity of the thermal insulation.
How long can you not turn on the refrigerator after re-hanging?
There is no special waiting time for turning on after mechanically rearranging the doors. If you did not touch the refrigeration circuit and pipes (which is impossible when reversing the doors), you can turn on the unit immediately after finishing the work and checking the tightness of the closure.