The need to change The direction in which the refrigerator door opens often arises when moving to a new apartment or after rearranging furniture in the kitchen. Owners of Belarusian equipment Atlant may encounter the fact that the standard arrangement of handles and hinges interferes with convenient access to products. Fortunately, the design of most two-chamber models allows you to perform this procedure yourself, without resorting to the services of a service center.
The rehanging process requires accuracy, a basic set of tools and an understanding of the device fittings. If you act according to the factory algorithm, you can avoid damage to the seal, sash misalignment or breakage of fasteners. It is important to consider that different series of refrigerators may have design differences in mechanisms closers and fastenings.
Before starting work, you should carefully study the internal structure of your model, since the sequence of actions depends on this. Some modern modifications are equipped with complex systems hingesthat require a special approach. In this article, we will analyze in detail all the stages of dismantling and installing doors on the opposite side.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
For a high-quality rearrangement of doors, it is not enough just to have the desire to change the interior of the kitchen. You will need to prepare a certain set of tools so as not to damage decorative elements and threaded connections. The main tool will be hex wrench, the size of which usually corresponds to 4 or 5 mm, depending on the year of manufacture of the equipment.
You will also need a flat-head and Phillips screwdrivers. In some models Atlant the screws may be hidden under decorative plugs that need to be carefully pryed off. It would be a good idea to prepare a soft cloth or cardboard to cover the floor in front of the refrigerator - this will protect the floor covering from scratches if heavy parts fall.
Pay special attention to organizing the space around the unit. You will need easy access to the refrigerator from all sides, since the door will have to be set aside. If the kitchen is crowded, it is better to take out the food and move the equipment to the center of the room or to the corridor for work.
- 🔧 Hex key (usually 4-5 mm) for removing hinge bolts.
- 🪛 Set of screwdrivers (flat and Phillips) for removing handles and plugs.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal edges.
- 🧶 Soft rags for wiping parts and protecting the floor.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply! This will prevent accidental activation of the compressor or damage to the electronics when manipulating the case.
☑️ Preparing for rehanging
Removing the upper door of the refrigerator compartment
You should always start the process from the top door, since it is attached to the body independently of the bottom one, but removing it opens access to the mechanisms of the bottom door. The first step is to remove the decorative trims from the top hinge, if present. In models Atlant they are often fixed with latches or screws.
After removing the linings, you will see the upper hinge mounting bolts. They need to be unscrewed, but not completely removed immediately. It is better to loosen them so that you can hold the door, and then unscrew it completely. The door of the refrigerator compartment is quite heavy, so it is better to carry out the work with an assistant to avoid the door falling on your feet or the floor.
Carefully lift the door up, removing it from the lower guide or pin, if the design requires this. In classic two-chamber models, the upper door is supported only by the upper hinge, and the lower one rests on an axis. The removed sash should be placed in a safe place, having first removed all fragile shelves and accessories from it.
At this stage, it is important not to lose stops washers that may fall out of the hinge mechanism. Each part must be saved for later installation on the other side. If you find traces of corrosion on metal elements, it is better to immediately clean them and lubricate them with graphite grease.
Removing and rearranging the lower door freezer
The bottom door of the freezer in two-chamber refrigerators Atlant often has its own fastening features. Removing the top door opens up access to the intermediate hinge or bracket that holds the bottom door in place. It is this element that needs to be dismantled first.
Unscrew the bolts securing the lower door. Unlike the top one, it can be mounted on a separate axis, which is inserted into the body. When removing, it is important to hold the sash, as it can jump off the guides. The removed freezer door should also be carefully set aside.
Now you need to clear the holes for attaching the hinges on the new side. At the end of the refrigerator body you will see technological holes closed with plastic plugs. They need to be removed and moved to the vacant places on the opposite side where the hinges were previously attached.
Check the condition sealing rubber on the removed door. While the door is dismantled, this is an ideal time to wash and dry the folds of the seal, where dust and mold often accumulate. Clean rubber will provide a better fit and tightness after installation.
| Element | Action during dismantling | Action during installation |
|---|---|---|
| Upper hinge | Loosen the bolts, remove from the pin | Install on new holes, tighten |
| Bottom door | Remove from the axle, set aside | Put on the axle, secure loop |
| Plugs | Remove from working holes | Insert into vacated holes |
| Handles | Move to the opposite end | Secure in a new place |
Rearranging handles and decorative elements
One of the most noticeable parts of the process is rearranging the handles. In refrigerators Atlant they can be attached to screws on the inside of the door or be through. To access the fasteners of the top handles, it is often necessary to remove the top cover of the refrigerator or carefully bend the seal.
If the handle is fastened with through bolts, they need to be unscrewed from the back of the door. Be careful: the threads can be tight, and if you pull too hard, you can damage the plastic. Use an open-end wrench or a socket of the appropriate size to securely grip the nut.
After dismantling the handles, you must move them to the opposite side. For this purpose, the door body has symmetrical holes closed with plugs. Replace the plugs in place of the old holes to maintain the aesthetic appearance of the equipment.
Some models have hidden handle fastening mechanisms that require disassembling part of the cladding. In such cases, proceed slowly, checking for hidden screws under stickers or in recesses. Incorrect force may cause the plastic clips to break.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use force when installing the handles! If the handle does not fit into place, check the correct orientation and alignment of the mounting holes.
Installing doors on a new side
Assembling the structure begins with installing the bottom door of the freezer. Place the bottom hinge or pin in its new location, making sure it fits snugly against the body. Place the door on the axle, making sure that it sits evenly in the grooves.
Then install the intermediate hinge (if your model has one) and secure the top door. When installing the top sash, it is important to correctly align the hinge holes with the body. Insert the bolts and start tightening them, but do not tighten them all the way yet - this will allow you to adjust the position of the doors.
After installing all the elements, check the operation of the mechanism closer. The door should close tightly and close on its own on the last part of the journey. If you hear a squeak or feel resistance, the hinges may be skewed or require lubrication.
The final step is to install all the decorative trims and plugs. Make sure that all screws are securely tightened, but not overtightened, so as not to strip the threads in the plastic or aluminum parts of the frame.
What to do if the door does not close tightly?
If after installation the door does not fit tightly, try slightly loosening the top hinge mounting bolts and manually align the door, then tighten it again. Also check if there is anything in the way inside the refrigerator (bulging packaging, shelf).
Adjusting the position and eliminating distortions
After assembly, there is often a need for fine tuning. If the door hangs crookedly or does not fit tightly to the body, adjustments need to be made. In refrigerators Atlant this is done by changing the position of the upper hinge mounting bolts.
For vertical alignment, use a building level, placing it against the end of the open door. Adjust the height using the support legs of the refrigerator itself or the hinge screws. The horizontal position is corrected by moving the hinge to the left or right.
If the door moves away at the top or bottom, loosen the corresponding bolts and place a thin washer or cardboard on the desired side, then tighten the fastener. This is a simple but effective way to eliminate the gap between the door and the body.
Check the operation tightness after adjustment. A sheet of paper sandwiched between the door and the body along the perimeter must be pulled out with force. If the paper falls out freely, it means that the seal does not fit in this place, and further adjustment is required.
Common mistakes and tips experts
When re-hanging doors on their own, beginners often make mistakes that can lead to equipment breakdown. One of the most common is the loss or confusion of fasteners. The bolts from the top and bottom hinges may differ in length, and installing a long bolt in a short hole will damage the housing.
Another mistake is ignoring the condition of the seal. When removing a door, the rubber is often pulled or crushed, which deforms it. A deformed seal will not provide a tight seal, and the refrigerator will begin to work with overload, consuming more electricity.
Do not forget about safety. Heavy refrigerator doors can fall and injure your feet or break the floor. Always work in stable shoes and, if possible, with an assistant who will hold the door at critical moments.
Experts advise that after completing work, let the refrigerator stand turned off for 2-3 hours before turning it on. This will allow the oil in the compressor to drain into the crankcase if the unit is tilted strongly during operation.
Is it possible to rehang the door if the refrigerator is built-in?
Reversing the doors of a built-in refrigerator is possible, but requires more caution. The limitations of the niche and the ability to access the opposite side must be taken into account. Often, built-in models require dismantling the facade of the kitchen unit.
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging it?
Full defrosting is not necessary if you work quickly. However, if you plan to keep the doors open or tilt the unit for a long time, it is better to turn it off in advance to avoid water leaking out and ice melting in hard-to-reach places.
What to do if you have lost the plug for the hole?
If you have lost a plastic plug, you can close the hole with a piece of black electrical tape or purchase a universal set of plugs at a furniture hardware store. The main thing is to close the hole to preserve aesthetics and protect the internal components from dust.
Does re-hanging affect the warranty?
Re-hanging the doors yourself, as a rule, does not void the warranty, unless parts were damaged in the process or the integrity of the factory seals on the compressor was broken. However, if you damage the case or glass, the service center may refuse free repairs.