Modern kitchens often dictate their own conditions, and the standard pattern for opening the refrigerator door may no longer suit the owners after rearranging the furniture. In such situations, it becomes necessary to change the opening direction in order to ensure maximum comfort during operation of the equipment. For owners of Belarusian units, this procedure is one of the most popular among service operations.
The remounting process is not overly complicated, but it requires accuracy, a basic set of tools and an understanding of the design. hinge mechanism. Incorrect actions can lead to damage to decorative elements or loss of tightness, so it is important to strictly follow the algorithm developed by the manufacturing plant engineers.
In this article we will analyze in detail all stages of the work, paying attention to the features of various series of equipment Atlant. You will learn what tools you will need, how to properly dismantle the old hinges and install them on the opposite side without damaging sealing rubber.
Preparation of the workplace and the necessary tools
Before starting any manipulations with household appliances, you must ensure safe working conditions. First of all, the unit should be completely emptied of food, defrosted and thoroughly wiped dry. This will not only make the work easier, but will also prevent food spoilage while you are busy mechanical assembly.
An important step is preparing the tools. You don't need complex specialized equipment; a standard home craftsman's kit is enough. Pay special attention to the choice of screwdrivers, since the screws may have different heads and degrees of tightening.
Be sure to prepare the following tools:
- 🔧 A set of Phillips and flat-head screwdrivers of different sizes for removing fasteners.
- 🔩 A wrench or a socket head 10 mm (often required for main bolts).
- 📏 Building level to check the horizontal installation after relocation.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal edges.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. Even if you don't touch electrical parts, safety should be a priority when working with heavy equipment.
It is also recommended to clear the space around the refrigerator so that you can easily access it from all sides. If the kit contains instructions from Atlant, you should familiarize yourself with the diagram of your specific product, since the location of fasteners may differ.
Dismantling the top panel and removing the door
The process starts from the top of the case. On most refrigerator models Atlant the top cover is secured with screws or latches. If you have a two-chamber refrigerator, first remove the freezer door; if you have a single-chamber refrigerator, go straight to the main door.
Carefully unscrew the fastening screws holding the top panel. In some models, additional fasteners may be hidden under the decorative plugs. After removing the panel, you will have access to the top bracket and hinge group.
☑️ Removal procedure
Next you need to unscrew the top hinge. To prevent the door from falling on your feet and damaging the floor, you need to hold it or ask an assistant to secure you. After removing the top fastening, carefully lift the door and remove it from the bottom pin.
It is best to put the removed door in a safe place, after removing the shelves and containers from it to reduce the weight of the structure. Now you can start working with the lower part and base of the case.
Features of rearranging handles and plugs
One of the most important details when changing the opening side is the correct rearrangement of the handles. On models Atlant handles often have hidden fasteners or decorative overlays that must be removed before moving.
On the free side of the case there will be holes that need to be closed. To do this, use special plugs included in the kit, or those that were installed on the working side earlier. It is important not to confuse their location in order to maintain an aesthetic appearance.
Where to find plugs?
Plugs are usually located in a niche under the top lid of the refrigerator or in a bag with documentation. If they are lost, the holes can be carefully sealed with a decorative film to match the body, matched in color.
When installing the handles in a new place, make sure that the screws are tightened tightly, but without excessive force, so as not to break the threads in the plastic base. Door fittings It should sit smoothly, without distortions, otherwise this may make it difficult closing.
If your model has integral handles (built into the door profile), the process is simplified by removing the side plugs. In this case, it is enough to rearrange the plastic elements to opposite ends of the door leaf.
Installing hinges on the opposite side
After preparing the body and door leaf, the installation stage begins. The lower loop is installed in the prepared holes on the opposite side. Here it is important to use exactly those holes that are intended for your model, since there may be technological holes in the metal for different modifications.
Secure the bottom bracket with bolts, but do not tighten them all the way yet. This will allow for minor adjustments to be made to the door position at the end of the process. Install the door on the lower pin, falling into the grooves of the upper part.
Now it’s the turn of the upper fastening. Place the top hinge on the new side and secure it with screws. At this stage, special care is required: Axis of rotation must be strictly vertical.
| Type of fastening | Tool | Tightening torque | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper hinge | Phillips screwdriver | Middle | Requires alignment |
| Bottom loop | 10 mm key | Strong | Carries the main load |
| Handle fastening | Small screwdriver | Weak | Risk of tearing off the plastic |
After installing all the elements, check the ease of movement of the door. It should not creak or touch the body. If you hear extraneous sounds, you may need additional adjustment of the gaps.
Adjusting the position of the doors and seal
The final and critical stage is adjustment. After rearrangement, the door may warp or not fit tightly to the body, which will lead to loss of cold and the formation of ice. To correct this, use a building level.
Put the level on the end of the open door or on the top panel (if it is removable and installed level). Achieve a horizontal position by tightening the adjusting feet at the bottom of the refrigerator. This will also help compensate for uneven floors.
Pay special attention magnetic seal. Run your hand along the perimeter of the closed door - there should be no gaps. If in some place the door comes off, try to slightly loosen the hinge fasteners and move the door in the desired direction, then tighten it again.
⚠️ Attention: If the seal is deformed (has creases), you can try to straighten it by heating it with a hairdryer at a low temperature, but do not overheat the rubber so that it does not lose elasticity.Nuances for different Atlant models
Refrigerators Atlant have been produced for several decades, and designs can vary significantly. In older models, a simple scheme with open hinges was often found, while modern series may have hidden installation and a complex system of closers.
In models with the No Frost system, it is important not to damage the plastic air ducts that may pass in the area where the hinges are attached. When removing the top cover, be careful not to tear off the wires or sensors if they are attached to the inside of the panel.
For two-compressor models, the procedure is similar, but requires sequential rearrangement of first the upper, then the lower door. It is important not to confuse the assembly order so as not to disrupt the geometry of the entire structure.
There are also models with mirror or glass facades. Working with them requires maximum caution: any excessive force when moving the handles can lead to chips or cracks. Here it is better to use a tool with a soft coating on the handles.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to rehang the door if the refrigerator is built into the kitchen unit?
This is extremely difficult and often impossible without completely dismantling the furniture. The built-in appliances are attached to the kitchen facades, and to rearrange the door you will have to remove the front panels, which requires calling a furniture specialist.
What to do if, after rearranging, the door opens by itself?
Most likely, the angle of the body is broken. The refrigerator should be installed with a slight tilt back (the back legs are higher than the front legs) so that gravity helps the door close. Adjust the height of the front supports.
Do you need to wait after rearranging before turning it on?
If you did not tilt the refrigerator more than 45 degrees and did not lay it on its side, you can turn it on immediately. If the unit was tilted strongly, it is advisable to let the oil in the compressor drain back into the crankcase (3-4 hours).
Where can I get new plugs if the old ones are lost?
Plugs are a standard element. They can be ordered at service centers Atlant by part code or find universal analogues in furniture fittings stores, choosing by diameter and color.