Changing the kitchen layout or simply wanting to optimize space often leads to the need to change the direction in which the refrigerator door opens. For equipment owners Atlant this procedure is not an insoluble problem, since most models were initially designed taking into account the possible reinstallation of the hitch. However, the process itself requires care, a basic set of tools and a clear understanding of the sequence of actions so as not to damage the hinges or the body itself.
In this article we will look in detail at how to change the door on the Atlant refrigerator to the other side using a step-by-step algorithm. You will learn about the nuances of dismantling handles, rearranging pins and adjusting gaps, which will allow you to complete the job efficiently even without professional help. The main thing is not to rush and follow safety precautions, since the doors have significant weight.
Before starting work, it is strongly recommended to enlist the help of a second person, since holding a heavy door alone and simultaneously unscrewing the fasteners is extremely difficult and dangerous. Also prepare the work area: cover the floor with soft material so as not to scratch the coating and damage the parts during their temporary placement.
Preparation of tools and work area
The success of the rehanging operation directly depends on the quality of preparation. You don't need complex industrial equipment; a standard home craftsman's kit is enough. The main tool will be a wrench, the size of which usually corresponds to 10 mm, although in some models Atlant other fastener sizes may be found.
In addition to keys, you will definitely need a flat-head and Phillips screwdrivers. A flat-head screwdriver is needed to carefully remove decorative plugs and plastic covers, and a Phillips screwdriver is needed to work with the screws securing handles and internal elements. It would be a good idea to have masking tape on hand to secure moving parts while working.
- 🛠️ A wrench (usually 10 mm) or a set of ratchet sockets for quickly unscrewing bolts.
- 🪛 A set of screwdrivers (phillips and flat-head) for removing handles and plugs.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges and dirt.
- 🧼 Clean rags for wiping the mounting points from dust and old grease.
It is important to free up space in front of the refrigerator. You will need to move the unit away from the wall at least 1 meter in order to have easy access from all sides. Make sure that the floor is level and clean, and that the lighting in the room is bright enough to distinguish small fastener parts.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any disassembly work, be sure to unplug the refrigerator from the electrical outlet. This is critically important, since if the case is skewed or the wiring is handled carelessly, you can damage the control system or receive an electric shock.
☑️ Preparation for rehanging
Dismantling the top door and removing the handles
The process starts from the top chamber if you have a two-chamber refrigerator Atlant. You must first remove the handles, as they interfere with access to the top hinges and can be damaged if handled carelessly. Depending on the model, the handles can be attached to screws on the inside of the door or screwed from the outside through decorative trims.
If the screws are hidden under the plugs, carefully pry them out with a flat-head screwdriver. Do not use excessive force to prevent the plastic from cracking. After unscrewing the fasteners, remove the handle and put it in a safe place. Now you can proceed to removing the door itself from the top hinge.
Ask an assistant to hold the door while you unscrew the top hinge bolts. Once the fasteners are removed, carefully lift the door up, removing it from the hinge pin. Install the removed door in the prepared place with the outer side up so as not to scratch the front surface.
Nuances of removing handles in different models
In some modern Atlant models, handles can be integrated into the profile or attached to a hidden mechanism. If you don't see obvious screws, check the inside of the door - sometimes the fasteners are on the weatherstripping side. In rare cases, it is necessary to remove the entire decorative panel.
At this stage, it is important not to lose small parts, such as washers or bushings, that may be located inside the hinge mechanism. Pin The top hinge often has a specific shape, and its loss can complicate assembly. It is better to immediately put all removed elements in a container or on a magnetic tray.
Rearranging hinges and pins
The most critical stage is transferring the fastening elements to the opposite side. The design of refrigerators Atlant allows you to symmetrically reinstall the hinges, but to do this they must first be dismantled from the current side. Use a wrench to unscrew the bolts securing the hinge to the body.
After removing the hinges, inspect the holes on the body. On the opposite side you will see similar holes closed with plastic plugs. These plugs must be removed and moved to the vacant places on the side where the hinges were just removed. This will provide an aesthetic appearance and protection from dust.
| Element | Action during dismantling | Action during installation (new side) | Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top hinge | Unscrew 2-3 bolts | Secure into mirror holes | Requires alignment |
| Middle hinge | Remove after dismantling the bottom door | Install the pin and fix it | Has an axial pin |
| Bottom support | Unscrew from the body | Screw into the opposite corner | Adjusts height |
| Plugs | Remove from new holes | Install into old holes | Protection from dirt |
Install the hinges on the new side, but do not tighten the bolts all the way yet. This will allow, if necessary, to slightly adjust the position of the door for an ideal fit. Pin The middle hinge must be installed strictly vertically, since the lower door will be placed on it.
⚠️ Attention: When rearranging the middle hinge, make sure that you do not confuse the upper and lower parts of the mechanism if they are structurally different. Some models have asymmetrical hinges that are not interchangeable vertically.
Working with the bottom door and adjusting the height
The bottom door of the refrigerator Atlant is usually heavier than the top, as it is often equipped with a more powerful seal and shelves for heavy products. You also need to remove it with an assistant. After removing the old lower hinge (or support) from one side, it must be moved to the opposite.
Pay special attention to the adjusting screws in the lower part of the case. They serve to level the height of the refrigerator and compensate for uneven floors. When re-hanging the door, these supports may also require relocation or adjustment to ensure that the door does not hit the floor when opening.
Place the bottom door onto the installed middle hinge pin. Make sure it fits snug and straight. Now you can finally tighten all the bolts of the middle and lower hinges. Check that the door does not warp and that the gap between it and the body is uniform along the entire length.
It often happens that after installation the door hangs crookedly or does not fit well. In this case, use the adjusting screws on the hinges (if provided by the design of your model) or tighten the support legs of the refrigerator itself. Adjustment is a process that requires patience and several attempts.
Installing handles and final assembly
After the doors are installed on new hinges, it’s the turn of the handles. Remember that they should now be attached on the opposite side. If the refrigerator came with additional plugs or decorative elements for the handles, use them to mask the old holes.
Secure the handles using the prepared holes. Make sure that the screws are tightened tightly, but not fanatically, so as not to strip the threads in the plastic base of the handle. Check the operation of the mechanism: the handle should not wobble or have any play.
- 🔩 Check the tightness of all handle fastening screws.
- 🚪 Make sure that the door opens smoothly and completely.
- 🧲 Check the operation of the magnetic lock (if any) or latches.
- 👀 Inspect the facade for scratches that appeared during the installation process.
On some models Atlant with the system No Frost an additional check of the door closing sensors may be required. Make sure that when closing the door, the magnetic switch (reed switch) interacts correctly with the magnet on the door, otherwise the refrigerator will consider the door open and will not start the compressor.
Checking tightness and adjusting gaps
The final stage is checking the quality of the installation. The door should fit evenly around the entire perimeter of the body. To check for leaks, you can use a simple test with a sheet of paper. Clamp the sheet between the door and the body in different places and try to pull it out.
If the paper is pulled out too easily, it means that the seal does not fit tightly in this place. This may be caused by the door being misaligned. In this case, it is necessary to loosen the hinges and slightly move the door, achieving uniform pressure. After adjustments, tighten the bolts again.
⚠️ Attention: If after adjustment the gaps remain uneven, check the rubber seal itself. It could have become deformed during storage or installation. In some cases, it needs to be heated with a hairdryer or replaced.
Also check whether the door touches adjacent pieces of furniture or walls when opening 90 and 180 degrees. Make sure that the shelves inside do not fall out when opened abruptly and that the drawers move freely.
Frequent errors and troubleshooting
When rehanging doors yourself, typical mistakes are often encountered. One of the most common is the loss or confusion of fasteners. To avoid this, sort the bolts as soon as you remove them. They also often forget to rearrange the plugs, which spoils the appearance of the equipment.
Another mistake is insufficient tightening of the bolts or, conversely, their overtightening, leading to metal deformation or thread breakage. Use moderate force and secure the result with a wrench. If you feel that the bolt is too tight, it is better to lubricate the threads than to use brute force.
If the door slams after installation or does not stay in the half-open position, the problem may be in the angle of the refrigerator itself. Atlant refrigerator, like many others, is designed for the doors to close themselves under the influence of gravity, for why the body should be slightly tilted back.
What to do if the door is skewed?
If visual adjustment of the hinges does not help, try placing a thin washer (plastic or metal) under one side of the hinge. This will allow you to change the angle of the door relative to the body and level the gap.
Remember that regular maintenance and proper installation will extend the life of your refrigerator. If you doubt your abilities or are faced with an unusual situation, it is better to contact an authorized service center.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Is it possible to reverse the door on a single-chamber Atlant refrigerator?
Yes, on most single-chamber models Atlant there is also the possibility of reversing the door. The procedure is similar: the hinges are removed, the plugs are rearranged and the door is installed on the other side. However, check the instructions for your specific model, since in the oldest or budget versions the hinges may not be removable.
Do you need any special lubricants for the hinges?
Usually the hinges do not require additional lubrication, since they operate on dry friction or already have factory lubricant. However, if you notice squeaking or stiffness, you can use a small amount of silicone lubricant. Do not use edible oils (sunflower, etc.), as they thicken over time and turn into a sticky mass.
What to do if you lose a plastic plug?
If you lose a plug, the hole can be closed with a piece of black tape or painted over with a marker if it is not obvious. You can also try to find universal plugs in furniture fittings stores or order an original spare part from the catalog Atlant.
Does re-hanging the door affect the warranty?
Re-hanging the door yourself, as a rule, is not a warranty case if you have not damaged the body in the process, loops or other knots. However, if after your actions a breakdown occurs due to misalignment (for example, failure of a compressor due to loose closing), warranty repairs may be denied. Proceed carefully.