The situation when, after purchasing a new refrigerator or during renovations in the kitchen, it turns out that the door opens in the wrong direction, is familiar to many owners of household appliances. Atlant refrigerator is famous for its reliability, but structurally most models are initially designed to open from right to left. If your kitchen layout requires a different approach, the only solution is hanging doors. This process does not require calling a specialist and can be done independently if you strictly follow the algorithm of actions.
Before starting the active phase of work, you need to prepare the workspace and make sure you have the necessary tools. The key point is precise knowledge of the model of your unit, since fasteners for the 300, 400 and 600 series may differ in thread diameter and type of bolt heads. Visual inspection will help determine whether there are factory holes for hinges on the opposite side of the case, which is typical for most modern modifications of the Belarusian manufacturer.
Do not rush with unscrewing the first bolts until you examine the internal structure of the hinge and make sure that all components are in working order. Incorrect actions can lead to damage to the decorative panels or, worse, to a violation of the tightness of the seal. In this article, we will analyze each stage in detail, from preparation to final adjustment, so that you can complete the job efficiently and safely.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
To successfully complete the task of hanging doors, you will need a minimum set of tools, which is usually found in the drawer of any home craftsman. The main tool will be a set of screwdrivers, including Phillips and flathead ones, as well as wrenches corresponding to the size of the hinge fasteners. An 8 mm or 10 mm wrench is often required, as well as hexagons if the hinges are hidden.
It is important to ensure good lighting of the work area, as some fasteners may be located in hard-to-reach places or hidden by decorative plugs. Clear the space in front of the refrigerator in advance so that nothing prevents you from tilting the case or placing it on its side, if the instructions for your specific model require it.
- 🔧 A set of screwdrivers (phillips, flat) for removing handles and plugs.
- 🔩 Wrenches or ratchet sockets (usually 8, 10 mm) for hinges.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges.
- 🧹 Clean rags for wiping parts and removing old grease.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from power grid! Remove the plug from the outlet to reduce the risk of electric shock or accidental start of the compressor while handling the wiring.
If your model has a door sensor or light control button that requires repositioning, make sure you have a thin tool on hand to remove the plugs. Carefulness at the preparation stage will save you time and nerves during the main assembly process.
Removing the top hinge and freezer door
The process begins from the top of the refrigerator, where the freezer door is located. The first step is to remove the decorative plug that hides the top hinge mounting bolts. It is usually made of plastic and can be simply pushed into a hole or secured with latches, so be careful not to break the clips.
After removing the plug, you will see the mounting bolts that hold the hinge in place. They need to be loosened, but not completely unscrewed yet, if the design of your model requires the presence of a safety stop. In some cases, it is necessary to first remove the door handle, which is done by unscrewing hidden screws from the inside or snapping off decorative trims.
Once access to the fasteners is gained, completely unscrew the top hinge bolts. At this stage, you will need an assistant to hold the door, as it can be quite heavy and, if removed abruptly, could damage the floor or your feet. Remove the door from the lower axis (if it is composite) or simply put it in a safe place, having first removed it from the hinge.
☑️ Removing the upper door
Pay attention to the condition of the washers and bushings that may be located between the hinge and the body. Shims responsible for the tightness and height of the door, so they cannot be lost. If you plan to use the old holes, check them for corrosion or stripped threads.
Removing the center hinge and main door
Once the top door is removed, access to the middle hinge, which is often common to both chambers or serves as a support for the main doors. In two-chamber models Atlant the design may vary: in some cases the middle loop is attached directly to the body, in others it is a continuation of the top.
The algorithm of actions is similar to the previous one: remove the decorative elements, unscrew the fasteners. It is also better to remove the main door with an assistant, since its dimensions and weight are much greater. Pay special attention to the wires if the doors have built-in sensors or indicators.
If in your model the wires run inside the case and do not require disconnection, just carefully move the door to the side. In the case when it is necessary to disconnect the connectors, remember or take a photo of the connection order so as not to mix up the contacts during assembly.
| Element | Action | Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Top loop | Removal of bolts | Hidden screws under the plug |
| Middle hinge | Removal from the body | Can be a common axis |
| Bottom hinge | Repositioning | Requires removal of the support washer |
| Limiter | Repositioning | Located at the end of the door |
After removing the main door, inspect the ends for presence opening limiters. These are small plastic or metal pins that prevent the door from swinging too wide. They must be unscrewed or knocked out on one side and installed in symmetrical holes on the other side.
Rearranging the lower support and limiters
The lower part of the refrigerator requires special attention, since this is where the support loop is located, which takes the main weight of the structure. In models Atlant it is often closed with a plastic base, which must be carefully removed by pulling it towards you or unscrewing the clamps.
Unscrew the bolts securing the lower hinge on one side and move it to the opposite side of the case. It is important not to lose the support sleeve or washer on which the door rests. If the refrigerator came with special plugs for the holes, install them in the vacant spaces on the left side.
What to do if the holes do not match?
In some older or specific models, the holes may not be through or closed. In this case, you need to carefully remove the plastic jumpers with a drill or a sharp knife, but only if you are confident in your abilities.
⚠️ Attention: When rearranging the bottom hinge, make sure that you use bolts of the correct length. Using bolts that are too long may damage the inside wall of the refrigerator or compressor.
Don't forget to move the door opening limiters into the corresponding holes on the opposite end. This is a simple but important operation that is often forgotten, which leads to the door hitting furniture or walls during operation.
Installation of doors on a new side and assembly
Assembly is carried out in the reverse order of disassembly. First we install the main lower door on the lower hinge. It is important to position the door correctly relative to the body so that the gaps are even. At this stage, there is no need to tighten the bolts of the lower hinge completely; leave a small gap for subsequent adjustment.
Then the middle hinge is installed (if it is separate) and the upper door is hung. When installing the top door, make sure that the hinge axes fit exactly into the seats. If doors are equipped with magnetic latches or closers, check their operation before final tightening.
- 🚪 Install the bottom door on the support hinge.
- 🔩 Secure the middle hinge without tightening it all the way.
- ❄️ Hang the top door and insert the top hinge.
- 🔧 Sequentially tighten all the fasteners, moving from bottom to top.
After installing all the doors in place, you need to tighten all the hinge bolts tightly. Work from bottom to top to ensure proper load distribution. Check that the doors open and close freely, without distortions or jams.
Adjusting the door position and tightness
Final and perhaps the most important step is adjustment. Even with careful installation, doors may hang crookedly or not fit tightly to the frame. In refrigerators Atlant height adjustment is usually carried out using rotary supports or adjusting bolts in the bottom hinge.
To check the tightness of the fit, you can use a simple test with a sheet of paper. Clamp the sheet between the door and the body around the perimeter: it should be removed with force. If the sheet falls out or is pulled out too easily, you need to tighten the hinge bolts or adjust the height of the refrigerator leg.
If the door is skewed diagonally, try loosening the middle hinge, leveling the door and tightening the bolts again. Sometimes it takes several tries to get the perfect result. Don't be afraid to experiment with the position until you achieve symmetry.
⚠️ Attention: The design and adjustment methods may vary slightly depending on the year of manufacture and series of the refrigerator. Always check the technical documentation that came with your specific model, as the location of the adjustment screws may vary.
After successful adjustment, reinstall all trim caps and plinth panels. Plug in the refrigerator and check the operation of the internal lighting and sensors, if they were affected during relocation.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging?
Yes, this is highly desirable. First, an empty refrigerator is lighter, which will make the job of removing and installing the doors easier. Secondly, water from melted ice will not flood the internal mechanisms when the case is tilted. It is recommended to defrost the unit a day before starting work.
Is it possible to hang the door alone?
Technically possible if you have experience and physical strength, but it is strongly recommended to work with an assistant. Doors, especially glass shelves inside, can crack if handled carelessly, and if you drop a heavy door on your foot, you can get seriously injured.
What to do if, after rehanging, the door does not close tightly?
Most likely, the problem is misalignment. Check the horizontal installation of the refrigerator itself using a level. If the floor is level, try further loosening the hinge bolts and rocking the door so that it snaps into place under the influence of magnets, then tighten the fasteners.
Will the warranty remain after re-hanging it yourself?
According to the law, the consumer has the right to self-repair if it does not lead to a breakdown. However, if you break the threads or damage the housing while re-hanging, warranty service for this damage may be denied. Proceed carefully.
Where to put the holes on the other side?
The Atlant refrigerator usually comes with plastic plugs that are inserted into the vacated holes on the “unnecessary” side. If they are lost, they can be ordered at the service center or carefully painted over with a marker in the color of the body if the holes are not through.