Rearranging furniture in the kitchen often confronts owners with the need to change the opening direction of the doors of household appliances. The model range of the Belarusian manufacturer Atlant provides such an opportunity for most modifications, but the process requires care and adherence to the sequence of actions. Incorrect installation can lead to distortions, loss of tightness and even damage to the housing.
Before starting work, you must make sure that the selected installation location allows you to freely open the doors by 90 degrees or more. It is also worth checking whether the new opening side will not block access to other kitchen modules or sockets. Space planning is a key step that will save time and effort.
The whole process takes from 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the experience of the master and the type of model. You don't need complex engineering skills, but accuracy and a basic set of tools are required. Below we will analyze each stage in detail so that you can complete the job efficiently.
Preparation of tools and workplace
Quality preparation is the key to successful completion of the task. You will need to collect a certain set of tools so as not to be distracted by searching for them in the middle of the process. The absence of the required key can lead to damage to the fasteners or breakage of the thread.
Usually, a standard home craftsman’s kit is sufficient to work with equipment. Atlant . However, some models may require specific attachments. It is recommended to prepare everything you need in advance and lay out the tools on a clean surface.
- 🔧 Phillips and flathead screwdrivers are the main tools for removing handles and plugs.
- 🔩 10 mm socket or open-end wrench - often required for removing hinges.
- 🔨 A knife or thin awl - necessary for carefully removing decorative plugs.
- 🧤 Work gloves - will protect your hands from sharp metal edges and dirt.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the electrical network. This safety rule cannot be ignored, as there is a risk of damaging the wiring when manipulating the door.
Free up space in front of the unit to allow access to it from all sides. Remove mats and objects that could interfere with or cause injury if removed parts fall. The floor must be smooth and clean so as not to scratch the lower part of the body if accidentally touched.
Removing the upper hinge and door
You should always start work from the top part of the structure, since it is this that holds the main weight of the sash. First, remove the top trim panel or cover that hides the mounting bolts. Depending on the model, it may be secured with latches or screws.
Use an awl or thin screwdriver to carefully pry off the plastic plug. Do not use excessive force to avoid breaking the fragile plastic. Underneath you will find bolts securing the top hinge.
⚠️ Attention: When unscrewing the bolts, hold the door with your other hand. After removing the fasteners, it may fall, which will damage the floor or the sash itself.
Unscrew the top hinge bolts with a wrench or screwdriver. Remove the metal loop and set it aside. Now you need to remove the door itself. To do this, lift it up to remove the lower axle from the bushing, and carefully place it in a safe place, placing it on a soft cloth.
☑️ Actions when removing the door
The removed door is best placed on the floor covered with cardboard or thick fabric, face down. This will prevent scratches on the glossy finish. Make sure that no one will touch or step on it in the storage location.
Removing the bottom hinge and rotating elements
After the door has been removed, it is necessary to remove the bottom hinge. It is attached to the refrigerator body with two or three bolts. Unscrew them and remove the metal part. Now you have the lower part freed up for installing new components.
Pay special attention to the rotating elements. In the original state, they are set to open in one direction. To change sides, you need to rearrange the bushings and axles. Often the lower axle is pressed into a loop or bushing and requires careful removal.
In some models Atlant the lower bushing may be plastic. Be careful when removing it so as not to crumble the material. If the bushing fits tightly, you can lightly tap it with the handle of a screwdriver, but without fanaticism.
- 🔄 Remove the lower support bushing from the body.
- 🔄 Remove the metal axle from the old bushing or hinge.
- 🔄 Install the bushing and axis into symmetrical holes on the opposite side.
- 🔄 Fasten the lower hinge in a new place using standard mounting holes.
What to do if the lower axis is rusty?
If the lower axis is rusty and cannot be removed, try dropping a little penetrating agent onto the connection lubricant (for example, WD-40) and wait 10-15 minutes. After this, the axle should come out easier. Do not use force to avoid stripping the thread or breaking the bushing.
Make sure that all mounting holes on the new side are free and that plastic plugs are installed in them, if provided by the design. The old holes on the previous side can be left open for now or temporarily closed with the standard plugs that come with the kit.
Rearranging handles and decorative elements
The most time-consuming step is moving the handles. In most refrigerator models Atlant the handles are hidden (mortise) or overhead. For mortise handles, it is necessary to remove the decorative trims, which are usually held on by latches or double-sided tape.
Carefully pry off the trim with a knife or flat screwdriver, placing a cloth underneath so as not to damage the coating. Unscrew the screws holding the handle itself and remove it. On the back of the door you will find symmetrical holes for installation.
⚠️ Attention: When removing handles from two-chamber models, do not confuse the upper and lower handles if they have different shapes or lengths. Install them in the appropriate holes.
If your model has overhead handles, the process is simpler. It is enough to unscrew the screws from the inside of the door (after opening it) and rearrange the elements to the new side. Do not forget to rearrange the decorative plugs in place of the old holes.
Some series are characterized by the presence of a logo or branded sticker on the handle. When rearranging, make sure that the logo will not be upside down or look unsightly in its new location. The package often includes additional stickers or plugs for such cases.
Installing the door in a new location
Now that all the preparatory work has been completed, you can begin installation. Place the top hinge in its new location, but do not tighten the bolts all the way yet. Leave a small gap to adjust the position of the door.
Take the door and carefully place it on the lower axis. It is better to perform this action with an assistant, since the door is heavy and oversized. Align the holes in the upper hinge with the holes on the door body.
| Element | Action | Tool |
|---|---|---|
| Lower bushing | Move to symmetrical hole | Pliers |
| Bottom loop | Secure on the new side | 10 mm wrench |
| Upper loop | Install without fully tightening | Screwdriver/Key |
| Door | Place on the axle and screw | Assistant |
Insert the mounting bolts into the top hinge and start tightening them. At this stage it is important not to overtighten them in order to be able to adjust the position. The door should stand straight, without distortions.
Adjustment and leak testing
The final stage is adjustment. Open and close the door several times, checking for smooth operation. If the door touches the body or warps, it is necessary to loosen the fastenings of the upper hinge and level it.
Check the tightness of the seal around the entire perimeter. To do this, you can use a simple test with a sheet of paper: hold the sheet with a door and try to pull it out. It should come out with force along the entire perimeter.
- ✅ The door opens and closes smoothly, without creaks.
- ✅ The seal fits tightly to the body along the entire contour.
- ✅ When closing, a characteristic clap is heard (when closed camera).
- ✅ The door does not open spontaneously when the body is tilted.
If you notice gaps, especially in the upper or lower part, use adjusting bolts (if they are provided in the model) or place washers under the hinges. In models Atlant the door height is often adjusted by rotating the lower support sleeve.
After final tightening of all bolts, wipe the installation areas with a damp cloth to remove hand marks and grease. Plug in the refrigerator and check its operation after a few hours.
Common mistakes and troubleshooting
When doing work on their own, beginners often make common mistakes. One of the most common is the loss of small fasteners. To avoid this, use a magnetic tray or jar to store the screws.
Another mistake is mixing up the sides of the hinges. Look carefully at the diagram in the instructions or take photographs of the disassembly process. The symmetry of refrigerators Atlant is not always absolute, and some holes may be technological.
If after installation the door does not close completely, check if anything is interfering with the seal. Perhaps, when installing the handles, you tightened the screws too much and the cap rested against the body. Also check the floor level - the refrigerator must be strictly horizontal.
In rare cases, it may be necessary to replace the seal if the old one was deformed during operation and, after re-hanging, no longer retains heat. This is not critical and can be solved by purchasing new rubber.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Do you need a special lubricant for the hinges after installation?
The use of lubricant is not strictly necessary, but highly desirable. Food-grade grease or technical petroleum jelly will prevent the appearance of squeaks and corrosion on metal axles in the future.
What to do if a plastic plug for an old hole is lost?
Plugs can be ordered at a service center or picked up a universal analogue at a hardware store. Temporarily, the hole can be sealed with a piece of decorative film or painted over with a marker to match the color of the body.
Is it possible to rehang the door on a refrigerator with a display?
On models Atlant with a display on the door, repositioning is possible, but requires additional steps to reconnect the wire loops. This is a complex procedure that requires skills in working with electronics.
How long does the whole process take?
For an experienced user, the process takes about 30-40 minutes. A beginner, taking into account studying the instructions and searching for tools, may need up to 1.5 hours.
Does it need to defrost the refrigerator before work?
Complete defrosting is not required, but it is recommended to empty the shelves and drawers to reduce the weight of the door. It is also worth taking out the food so that it does not fall when the unit or door is tilted.