The need to change the position of the door leaf often arises when moving to a new apartment or after remodeling the kitchen, when standard opening becomes inconvenient or impossible due to the peculiarities of the furniture arrangement. Most modern models Atlant refrigerators were originally designed with the possibility of reinstalling hinges and handles on the opposite side, which significantly expands the options for placing equipment in the room. This process does not require specialized skills, but requires care and adherence to a sequence of actions so as not to damage the plastic elements or break the tightness of the door.
Before starting work, it is important to understand that the design of different series may have its own nuances, for example, the number of attachment points or the type of screws used. In some models, the handles can be integrated into the body or have hidden fastenings, which requires a special approach. Atlant refrigerators they are famous for their maintainability, and the rehanging procedure takes on average 30 to 60 minutes, if you act without haste and strictly according to the algorithm. The main thing is to prepare the necessary tools and free up space around the unit.
In this article we will analyze in detail all stages of the process, from preparing tools to final adjustment of the gaps, so that you can do the job efficiently and safely. You will learn how to properly dismantle fittings, move stoppers and magnets, and also avoid common mistakes that can lead to door misalignment or damage to the seal. Correctly performed rehanging guarantees a long service life of the equipment and ease of use.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
The quality of the work directly depends on how well you prepared for the process. You don’t need a complex professional tool; a standard home craftsman’s kit, which everyone can find, is enough. However, it is important that the tools are in good working order and suitable in size for the fastening elements of your refrigerator.
For work you will need the following devices:
- 🔧 A set of screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead) - make sure that the slots are not licked so as not to tear off the screw heads.
- 🔩 Wrench 10 mm wrench or socket - often used to remove main hinges.
- 📏 Tape measure or ruler - may be needed to check the symmetry of the installation.
- 🧤 Work gloves - will protect your hands from sharp metal edges and contaminants.
Before to begin dismantling, be sure to turn off refrigerator from the mains. This is a basic safety rule that cannot be ignored, since the work will be carried out in close proximity to electrical components and wiring. Clear space in front of the unit in order to have free access to it from all sides, and lay a soft cloth or cardboard on the floor to avoid damaging the floor covering with fallen parts or tools.
Dismantling the door handles and the top hinge
You should always start the process from the top of the refrigerator, since it is the top hinge that often holds the weight of the door, and the handle is attached directly to the door leaf. Depending on the model Atlant, the handle can be attached with screws from the bottom, top or side. Carefully inspect the mounting location: sometimes the screws are closed with decorative plugs, which need to be carefully pryed off with a thin screwdriver or knife.
After the screws are unscrewed, do not pull the handle sharply. If it does not come off easily, the plastic may have stuck or the seal is in the way. A slight rocking from side to side will help loosen the element. When removing the top hinge, it is important to hold the door leaf so that it does not fall and damage the floor or lower fastenings. Use the help of a second person or place a stable support under the door.
Immediately place the removed screws and plugs in a separate container so as not to lose them among other fasteners. There is no need to turn them over yet, just store them in an accessible place. At this stage, it is important not to damage plastic bushingsif they are in the design, as they ensure smooth running and no creaking.
☑️ Check before dismantling
Removing the door leaf and moving the lower hinge
After dismantling the handles and the top hinge, the most crucial moment comes - removing the door leaf itself. Gently lift the door to remove its pin from the bottom bushing and set it aside in a safe place, preferably laying it horizontally on a prepared soft surface. Now you can begin to move the lower support loop to the opposite side.
At the end of the refrigerator body you will see symmetrical holes on the other side, closed with plastic plugs. You need to remove the current bottom loop and move it to the mirror position. Often this requires unscrewing the screws holding the hinge in place and moving them along with the part itself. Pay attention to the condition of the bushing: if it shows signs of wear, it is better to immediately replace it with a new one.
⚠️ Attention: When rearranging the lower hinge, make sure that it fits tightly into the mounting hole and does not wobble. Play in the lower support will lead to improper fit of the door and disruption of the seal of the chamber.
If your model Atlant refrigerator provides for adjusting the height of the leg or base, check their condition. Sometimes, in order to freely open the door to the new side, you need to slightly tighten the adjusting screws to align the position of the entire unit relative to the floor.
Installing hinges and hanging the door
Now that the lower support is fixed in a new place, you can start hanging the door leaf. Place the door on the bottom hinge, aligning the hole in the end of the door with the support pin. Make sure the door is level and vertical. Next comes the stage of installing the upper hinge on the opposite side of the case.
The upper hinge is also transferred to the symmetrical holes. It is important to correctly align the holes in the door and body so that the screws fit in freely, without distortion. If the holes do not line up, wiggle the door slightly. When tightening the screws, do not use excessive force so as not to strip the threads in the plastic case or metal.
After installing the top hinge, you can put it in place door handles. Remember that now they will be located on the other side. Make sure all screws are tightened evenly. If the handles are asymmetrical, check that you have them oriented correctly to open.
What if the screws do not fit into the holes?
If the screws do not fit into the holes, the door may be warped or the hinges are not installed correctly. Check that the refrigerator itself is installed horizontally. Sometimes you need to loosen the bottom hinge screws, align the door, and tighten them again. Do not try to tighten the screws by force - this may damage the threads.
Transferring magnets and opening stoppers
One of the most important and often forgotten steps is transferring magnetic clamps and stoppers. Refrigerators Atlant often use magnets that hold the door in the closed position when it is not completely closed, or stoppers that prevent spontaneous opening. They are located at the ends of the body and doors.
You need to unscrew the magnets or stoppers on one side and screw them into symmetrical holes on the other side. In the old places there will be through holes that need to be closed with plastic plugs included in the kit or removed from the opposite side. If there are no plugs, the holes can be carefully sealed so that the thermal insulation is not disturbed.
The table below will help you navigate the arrangement of elements when rearranging:
| Element | Original position | New position | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper loop | Left (conditionally) | Right | Rearrange to symmetrical holes |
| Bottom loop | Left (conditionally) | Right | Rearrange and align |
| Magnetic fastener | In the upper corner | In the opposite corner | Unscrew and move |
| Decorative plug | In a new place hinges | In the old place of the hinges | Close the resulting holes |
Do not forget to check whether the transferred elements do not interfere with the operation of internal mechanisms, if they are in the access area. After installing all the components, the door should close with a characteristic bang, and the magnets should reliably attract the leaf.
Adjusting the gaps and checking the tightness
The final stage is checking the quality of the work performed. After installing the door in a new location, distortions may occur, which will lead to a loose seal. This is fraught with loss of cold and increased energy consumption. Visually inspect the gap around the entire perimeter of the door: it should be uniform.
If you notice that the door fits tighter in one place and moves away in another, you need to make an adjustment. Models Atlant refrigerators often provide the ability to adjust the tilt of the door using screws in the hinges or adjust the height of the legs of the unit itself. Slightly loosen the screws securing the hinges, press the door in the desired position and tighten the screws again.
⚠️ Attention: Do not leave the door open for too long during adjustment to avoid defrosting the evaporator. If the process takes longer, temporarily close the refrigerator.
To check the tightness, you can use a simple test with a sheet of paper. Clamp the sheet with the door in different places around the perimeter. If the sheet is difficult to remove and resistance is felt along its entire length, then the seal is working properly. If the paper falls out freely, further adjustment or replacement of the seal is required.
Frequent problems and ways to solve them
Unforeseen difficulties may arise during the rehanging process. For example, screws may rust and won't come out, or plastic may crack due to age. If the screw does not budge, do not use brute force - use a penetrating lubricant (for example, WD-40), drop it on the threads and wait 10-15 minutes. This will help remove stuck metal.
If after installation the door does not close tightly or, on the contrary, opens by itself, check the angle of the refrigerator. The unit should stand with a slight slope back so that the door slams shut under its own weight. Adjusting the front legs will help correct this parameter. Also make sure that the shelves and products inside do not interfere with the tight closure.
In some cases, it may be necessary to replace the seal if the old one has lost its elasticity and does not restore its shape after turning over. The new seal will ensure a perfect fit and quiet operation of the compressor.
Is it possible to re-hang the doors yourself if the refrigerator is still under warranty?
Re-hanging the doors yourself, as a rule, does not void the warranty, unless parts were damaged in the process or the seal on the compressor was broken. However, if you doubt your abilities or are afraid of damaging the plastic, it is better to contact an authorized service center Atlant. In some cases, a note in the warranty card about service work is required.
What to do if, after rehanging, there is a large gap at the top?
A large gap at the top often indicates that the door is not raised enough or the hinges are not fully installed. Check that the top hinge screws are fully tightened. Also make sure that the refrigerator is positioned strictly vertically or slightly tilted backwards. If the gap remains, the door leaf itself may be deformed.
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging it?
Full defrosting is not necessary if you work quickly. However, if there is a lot of food and ice inside, the weight of the door will increase, making it difficult to operate. In addition, when the door is tilted (which is inevitable when removed), water may leak out of the pan. Therefore, it is recommended to at least partially empty the refrigerator and turn it off an hour before starting work.
Where to put the old holes from the hinges?
Old holes on the body and door must be closed with plastic plugs, which usually come with the refrigerator or are in the technical documentation. If the plugs are lost, the holes can be sealed with pieces of plastic to match the color of the body or use special furniture stickers to avoid loss of cold and moisture.