Re-hanging the handle on the refrigerator Atlant is a task that many owners face when rearranging equipment or changing the kitchen interior. Despite its apparent simplicity, the process requires care: improper installation can lead to door misalignment, broken fasteners, or even leakage. In this article we will look at step-by-step instructions for all modern models Atlant (2018–2026), including single-chamber and dual-chamber options, and also tell you how to avoid common mistakes.
Important: the design of the handle fastenings depends on refrigerator series. For example, models Atlant XM (with the No Frost system) and classic MHM have different fixation mechanisms. We will describe both options in detail. If you are not sure about the model, find it on the sticker inside the chamber or on the back wall (usually starts with the letters ATL or MHM).
Before starting work, make sure that you have everything you need. Most of the tools can be found in your home arsenal, but some fastenings may require specific keys. Below is a complete list and a critical nuance: on models 2026-2026 with an electronic display, you must turn off the power before removing the handle, otherwise the door lock may work. data-i="64">What tools will you need.
What tools will you need?
To hang the handle on the refrigerator Atlant you don’t need professional tools, but you can’t do without some little things. Here is a complete list:
- 🔧 Phillips screwdriver (size PH2 - standard for most models)
- 🔨 Hex key (5 mm - for series XM 6021-080 and similar)
- 📏 Ruler or tape measure (for symmetrical marking of new holes)
- ✏️ Pencil or marker (to indicate drilling points)
- 🔌 Pliers (will help remove jammed plugs)
- 🧴 WD-40 or similar lubricant (if fastenings rusted)
For models with hidden fasteners (for example, Atlant MY 1601-080) you will additionally need 10 mm socket wrench. It can be replaced with an adjustable wrench, but it will be less convenient to work. If you plan to hang the handle by two-chamber refrigerator, prepare it. also masking tape —it will help secure the freezer door during operation.
⚠️ Attention: On models Atlant s antibacterial coating of the handle (series New Frost Free) do not use abrasive materials for cleaning fastenings. This may damage the protective layer.
Preparing the refrigerator: what to do before starting work
Before removing the handle, you need to properly prepare the refrigerator. This will take no more than 10 minutes, but will save you from problems. process.
- Turn off the power. Pull out the plug from the socket or turn off the machine on the panel. On models with a display (Atlant XM 4426-100 and newer), after turning off, wait 1-2 minutes - this will reset the door lock.
- Free the door. Remove all magnets, stickers and products from the inside. If there are shelves on the door, remove them so as not to interfere.
- Secure the doorUse masking tape or an assistant. to hold the door in the open position. This will prevent it from closing spontaneously during operation.
- Take photos of the fastenersTake pictures of the current location of the handle and screws - this will help with reassembly.
If yours The refrigerator Atlant is equipped with open alarm system doors (flashing light or sound signal), after turning off the power, the alarm may sound when first opened. This is normal - just close the door for 30 seconds to reset the sensor.
☑️ Preparing to rehang the handle
Step-by-step instructions: how to remove the old handle
The process of removing the handle depends on its type. We will look at the two most common options: overlay handle with screws (installed on most models) and built-in with hidden fastenings (typical for premium series).
Option 1: Overhead handle (screws outside)
This type of fastening is found on 80% of refrigerators Atlant, including popular models MHM 1708-080 i XM 4021-080. To remove the handle:
- Find the plastic plugs on the ends of the handle. Pry them off with a flat screwdriver or knife. On some models, the plugs are fixed on the latches - pull them towards you. force.
- Under the plugs you will see screws. Unscrew them with a Phillips screwdriver. On models before 2022, the screws may be hexagonal.
- Gently pull the handle towards you, slightly shaking it to the sides. If the handle is stuck, spray it. fastenings WD-40 and wait 5 minutes.
Option 2: Built-in handle (hidden fastenings)
Such handles are installed on refrigerators Atlant series New Frost Free and some models s antibacterial coating. Their feature is the absence of visible screws. To remove the handle:
- Open the door and find the plastic panel with the inscription on the inside. data-i="147">. Carefully pry it off from the side and remove - there are screws hidden underneath. ATLANT. Carefully pry it from the side and remove it - the screws are hidden under it.
- Unscrew the screws with a 10 mm socket wrench. Be careful: on some models there are also hinge fastenings that do not need to be touched.
- After removing the screws, the handle will be removed by moving it towards you. does not lend itself, check whether there are hidden latches left in the lower part.
On models Atlant with touch control (for example, ATLANT XM 6025-180) the handle can be connected to the indication board. In this case, before removing, disconnect the cable, as shown in the photo. below (usually it is fixed with a plastic latch).
⚠️ Attention: If you hear a cracking sound or see sparks when removing the handle, stop working immediately. This is a sign of damage to the touch panel wiring.
How to move the handle to the other side: marking and drilling
After removing the old handle, you need to prepare new holes for fastening. The main thing here is accurate marking, otherwise the handle will be skewed and the door will not close well. We recommend using the template that comes with the refrigerator (usually attached to the instructions). If there is no template, follow our instructions.
Marking holes
For symmetrical transfer of the handle:
- Measure the distance from the top and bottom edges of the door to the centers of the old holes. Transfer these dimensions to the opposite side using a ruler and pencil.
- Check the horizontal distance between the holes. It should coincide with the pitch of the fasteners on the handle (usually 25–30 cm).
- Put masking tape in place of future holes - this will prevent the drill from sliding.
For refrigerators Atlant s two doors (freezer + main chamber) markings must be done separately for each door. Make sure that the handles will be located at the same level - this is important for aesthetics and convenience.
Drilling and installing plugs
Use a drill with a diameter of 4-5 mm (depending on the size of the screws). Basic rules:
- 🔹 Drill at low speeds so as not to damage the door enamel.
- 🔹 Do not press too hard - this can deform the metal.
- 🔹 After drilling, remove the chips with a vacuum cleaner or brush.
- 🔹 Insert the plastic plugs (included with the refrigerator) into the new holes. They will prevent corrosion.
If there are old holes on the door, close them with special plugs (can be bought at a spare parts store for Atlant) or sealant. On models with painted steel (for example, Atlant MY 1801-080), open holes can become a source of rust.
| Refrigerator model | Drill diameter, mm | Handle fastening type | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlant MHM 1708-080 | 4 | Screws outside | Square plugs, 10×10 mm |
| Atlant XM 4021-080 | 5 | Hidden fastenings | Requires a 10mm socket wrench mm |
| Atlant XM 6025-180 | 4.5 | Touch panel | Disconnect the cable before removing |
| Atlant MY 1601-080 | 4 | Antibacterial coating | Use only plastic plugs |
Installing the handle on the new side: step by step process
When the holes are ready, you can begin installing the handle. This stage seems simple, but it is easy to make mistakes here that will lead to Door skew or Handle play. Follow the instructions carefully.
For the overhead handle
- Attach the handle to the new holes and check if they match the fasteners. If there is an offset, correct it with a drill.
- Insert the screws and tighten them with a Phillips screwdriver. Do not tighten all the way at once - first lightly grab all the fasteners.
- Check whether the handle sits evenly. If there is misalignment, loosen the screws and adjust the position.
- Tighten the screws completely. On models with a plastic handle, do not use excessive force - this may lead to cracks.
- Install plugs on the ends of the handle. They should go in with a slight click.
For a built-in handle
Here the process is more complicated due to hidden fasteners:
- Insert the handle into the grooves on the door. Make sure it fits snugly along its entire length.
- Secure the handle with screws through the inner panel. Start with the top mount, then the bottom.
- Install the plastic panel with the logo ATLANTin place. It should snap into place without gaps.
- If there is a touch panel on the handle, connect the cable to the connector on the door. Check the functionality of the indicators.
After installing the handle, check door closing tightness. If the refrigerator is not equipped with a system No Frost, if the seal is not tight, ice will begin to freeze. To check the tightness, use test with a sheet of paper: insert it between the door and the body and try to pull it out. If the sheet comes out easily, adjustment of the hinges is required.
Typical mistakes and how to avoid them
Even if you follow the instructions, you can make mistakes that will lead to problems with the refrigerator. We have collected TOP-5 most common mistakes and ways to prevent them.
- 🔧 Handle skew. Occurs due to asymmetrical drilling of holes. Solution: use a template or measure distances three times before drilling.
- 🔩 Tightening the screws too tight. This will deform the plastic handle inserts. Solution: tighten the screws with a force of no more than 1.5 Nm (use a torque wrench if available).
- 🔌 Damage to the touch panel wiring. Valid for models with a display. Solution: before removing the handle, disconnect the cable as described in the instructions.
- 🧊 Tightness failure. If the door does not close well, check the seal. Solution: lubricate the rubber with silicone grease or adjust the hinges.
- 🔹 Rust in new holes. Often found in high humidity conditions. Solution: use stainless screws and plugs.
Pay special attention to models Atlant s automatic door closing system (for example, ATLANT XM 4308-080). If the handle is not installed correctly, the mechanism may not work properly. In this case, it is required reinstallation of shock absorbersthat it is better to entrust it to a specialist.
⚠️ Attention: On refrigerators Atlant 2026–2026 with the function "Smart Door" (automatic opening by sensor), reversing the handle yourself will void the warranty. For such models, contact the service center.
What to do if the handle is loose after installation?
If the handle is loose, the reasons may be the following:
1. The screws are not tightened enough - carefully tighten them.
2. The holes drilled are too wide - use larger diameter screws or insert plastic bushings.
3. The handle itself is deformed - in this case, replacement will be required (the spare part number can be found in the instructions).
Additional tips for operation after rehanging
After successfully rehanging the handle, the refrigerator Atlant is ready for further use. However, to avoid problems in the future, follow these recommendations:
- 🧴 Once every 3 months, lubricate the door hinges silicone grease. This will prevent creaking and wear of the mechanism.
- 🧼 To clean the handle, use mild detergents. On models with antibacterial coating avoid abrasives.
- 🔄 If the refrigerator is equipped with reversible door (can be hung on either side), check the seal every time after changing configuration.
- 📏 Monitor the gaps between the door and the body. The optimal distance is 2–3 mm around the entire perimeter.
On models Atlant s electronically controlled after rehanging the handle, reset settingsmay be required. To do this, press and hold the button Super Cool (or Super Freeze) for 10 seconds. This will return the compressor and fan to the factory settings.
If you notice that after rehanging the refrigerator has become make more noise or work longercheck:
- Tightness of the seal;
- No door skewing;
- Sensor operation temperature (on models with a display).
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about reversing the handle on the Atlant refrigerator
Is it possible to reposition the handle on the Atlant refrigerator without drilling?
No, on most models Atlant to move the handle symmetrically, you need to drill new holes. The exception is models with universal fasteners (for example, Atlant MY 2801-080), where the handle is fixed with latches. In this case, it is enough to move the clips to the other side.
What to do if, after rehanging, the refrigerator door does not close?
The reason is usually misaligned hinges or deformation of the seal. Try:
- Adjust the hinges using a hex wrench (loosen the screws, align the door, tighten it back).
- Warm up the seal hairdryer (temperature 50–60°C) and shape it with your hands.
- Check if anything is preventing the closure (for example, protruding screws or plugs).
If the problem persists, contact service.
How to reposition the handle on a two-chamber refrigerator Atlant?
The process is similar, but requires alternately re-hanging handles for the freezer and main chambers. Start with the top door (freezer), then move to the bottom. Make sure that the handles are located at the same level - this is important for aesthetics and comfort. On models Atlant XM 6026-180 and similar ones, it may be necessary to move the door opening sensor.
Where can I get plugs for the holes after re-hanging the handle?
Plugs usually come with the refrigerator (in a package with documentation). If you don’t have them, you can:
- Buy universal plugs with a diameter of 8–10 mm in a spare parts store for household appliances.
- Use silicone sealant (suitable for a temporary solution).
- Order original plugs from the manufacturer (the article number is indicated in the instructions).
On models with painted steel it is not recommended to leave the holes open - this will lead to corrosion.
Is it possible to move the handle on an Atlant refrigerator with a display yourself?
Yes, but with caution. On models with a display (Atlant XM 4308-080, ATLANT XM 6025-180), the handle is connected to control cable. When dismantling:
- Turn off the power.
- Carefully disconnect the cable (it is secured with a plastic latch).
- Do not pull the wires - this may damage the contacts.
If after installation the display does not work or blinks, check the connection of the cable or contact service.