The situation when, after purchasing or remodeling a kitchen Atlant refrigerator the wrong side faces the aisle, is familiar to many owners of household appliances. The standard factory layout often provides for the door to open from right to left, which can be extremely inconvenient in conditions of limited space or a specific furniture arrangement. Fortunately, the design of most models of the Belarusian brand allows you to change the opening direction to the opposite without calling a specialist.
The process hanging doors is not technically complicated, but it requires accuracy, a basic set of tools and a clear understanding of the sequence of actions. An incorrect dismantling sequence can lead to damage fittings or loss of seal. In this article we will analyze in detail all the stages of work, paying special attention to the nuances of installing hinges and adjusting the position of the doors.
Before starting work, you need to make sure that the model of your Atlant supports this feature. Almost all modern two-chamber and single-chamber units have symmetrical holes for attaching hinges, but in older or specific series there may be exceptions. If you are planning to move a heavy two-door unit, enlist the help of a second person, since removing full food compartments alone is dangerous and inconvenient.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
Quality preparation is the key to successfully completing the repair without scratches on the floor or lost bolts. To work, you will need a standard DIY kit, which is found in most men's garages. The main tool will be open-end wrench or a 10 mm head, since this is the size of the fastener most often used in the Atlant technique.
You also cannot do without a flat and cross-shaped screwdrivers for removing decorative plugs and plastic elements. To avoid damaging the floor covering and the refrigerator body itself during manipulations, be sure to prepare a soft substrate, such as cardboard or a thick blanket. If your model has plastic bushings or special stoppers, they will need to be carefully removed and rearranged.
- 🔧 Open-end wrench or ratchet with a 10 mm head for the main bolts.
- 🪛 Set of screwdrivers (phillips and flat) for work with plugs.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges.
- 📦 Container for folding small parts so that they do not get lost.
It is important to clear the space in front of the refrigerator in advance. You need space not only to walk around the unit on all sides, but also to temporarily place the removed doors. Make sure that the lighting in the work area is bright enough, as some fasteners may be hidden in the shadow of the body.
Removing the upper door and preparing the body
The process should always begin with the upper chamber, as it provides access to the main fasteners and often keeps the lower part of the structure in balance. The first step is to completely defrost the refrigerator and remove all shelves and drawers to reduce weight and avoid falling glass elements. Disconnect the unit from the power supply by unplugging the plug from the socket.
Remove the top decorative panel, if it is present in your model Atlant. The upper hinge fastening bolts are usually hidden under it. Carefully unscrew them, but do not remove them completely yet; if the door is heavy, it is better to hold it. After loosening the fasteners, remove the hinge and place the door in a safe place, having first removed the handle from it, if the design requires it.
⚠️ Attention: Atlant refrigerator doors have significant weight due to the thickness of the insulating layer. Do not try to hold the removed door with one hand, work with an assistant or use a reliable support.
Now you need to remove the handle from the back side of the door, if it is installed there, and move it to the new working side. In some models, the handles are symmetrical and do not require rearrangement, while in others you need to unscrew the locking screws from the inside. Inspect the ends of the door: you will see plastic plugs on unused holes. They need to be removed and used to close the holes on the side where the door opened earlier.
Working with the bottom door and hinges
The bottom door of the refrigerator Atlant often has its own fastening features that are different from the top. In two-chamber models, it can be attached to the body directly or through an intermediate axis. Remove the decorative trim from the bottom hinge located near the floor. Unscrew the fastening bolts holding the bottom door and carefully remove it, placing it on a prepared soft surface.
If your refrigerator is equipped with a system No Frost or has an air channel between the chambers, be extremely careful. In such models, a plastic air duct may pass between the doors, which must be carefully disconnected or rearranged. Violation of the integrity of this channel will lead to incorrect operation of the cooling system and the formation of ice.
☑️ Checklist before installing hinges
Pay special attention to the condition sealing rubber. While the doors are removed, check the integrity of the magnetic seal around the entire perimeter. If there are creases or damage on the rubber, the seal may be broken after re-hanging, and the refrigerator will begin to leak heat. If necessary, the seal can be straightened with a hairdryer or replaced with a new one.
Installation of hinges and installation of doors on a new side
After preparing the body and doors, we proceed to assembly in a new configuration. Install the bottom hinge to the opposite side of the chassis using the reserved holes. Tighten the mounting bolts tightly as they will bear the brunt of the weight of the bottom door and food.
Install the bottom door into place by sliding it onto the hinge pin. If the design includes an intermediate axis for the upper chamber, make sure that it is installed level and secured. Now you can proceed to installing the upper door. Align the holes in the top hinge with the holes on the body and end of the door, insert the bolts and tighten them.
| Element | Action when changing sides | Important nuance |
|---|---|---|
| Top hinge | Rearrangement to the opposite side | Monitor the angle of inclination |
| Bottom loop | Rearrangement taking into account the axis | Checking horizontality |
| Door handles | Dismantling and installation from a new side | Use original screws |
| Plugs | Rearrangement to old holes | Protection against ingress moisture |
Tighten the hinge bolts evenly, without using excessive force, so as not to strip the threads in the metal body. After installing the main elements, check how the doors fit into place. The gaps between the door and the body must be uniform along the entire length.
What to do if the holes do not match?
In some cases, especially after long-term use, the geometry of the body may be disrupted. If the holes do not match by a couple of millimeters, you can carefully widen them with a drill, but only if you are confident in your actions. It is better to slightly loosen all the fasteners and adjust the position of the door when open.
Adjusting the gaps and door position
The final stage is adjustment. Even with careful installation, the door may warp or not fit tightly. The design of the hinges of Atlant refrigerators often allows for height and tilt adjustment. For this, adjusting screws or washers are used.
If the door warps, loosen the hinge mounting bolts slightly, visually align the position of the sash and tighten the bolts again. Check the tightness of the fit using a sheet of paper: clamp it between the door and the body at different points. If the sheet is pulled out with the same force around the entire perimeter, it means seal it is working correctly.
⚠️ Attention: Do not leave the adjusting screws loose. Vibration of the compressor during operation of the refrigerator can gradually weaken the fastening, which will lead to distortion of the door and damage to the seal.
Make sure that the doors close tightly and do not open on their own with a slight deviation. If the door opens on its own, the refrigerator may not be level. In this case, it is necessary to tighten the front support legs so that the body has a slight tilt back.
Typical mistakes and expert advice
A common mistake when re-hanging yourself is to ignore the instructions for a specific model Atlant. The design of the hinges may vary depending on the year of manufacture and series. For example, in some models it is necessary to rearrange not only the hinges, but also the internal stops or plastic door travel stops.
Another problem is the loss of fasteners. Small bolts and washers can easily be rolled under the refrigerator or into furniture crevices. It is recommended to use a magnetic tray or fabric bag to collect all dismantled parts. Also, do not use fasteners of the wrong size, as a bolt that is too long can damage the interior lining or the cooling system.
- 🚫 Do not use excessive force when tightening bolts in plastic elements.
- 🚫 Do not leave the refrigerator open for a long time unnecessarily.
- 🚫 Do not ignore distortions, thinking that the door will “get used to” over time.
If after all the manipulations you notice that the door does not close tightly or rubs against the body, do not rush to blame the defect. In 90% of cases, the problem is solved by re-adjusting the position of the hinges or checking the installation level of the refrigerator itself on the floor.
Is it possible to change the opening side if the refrigerator is built-in?
Yes, it is possible, but it is more difficult. You will need to provide access to the sides of the refrigerator. Often this requires dismantling part of the kitchen unit or removing decorative panels. Make sure that there is enough space in the closet to open the door in a new direction.
What to do if one of the plugs for the holes is lost?
The plugs perform a decorative function and protect from dust. If you have lost one, you can order a set from official Atlant dealers or use universal furniture plugs of a suitable color. As a last resort, the hole can be carefully painted over.
Is it necessary to refill the refrigerator after re-hanging?
No, the cooling system is sealed and is not mechanically connected to the door hinges. However, if you accidentally damage the circuit tubes (which is unlikely if you work carefully), then repairs will be required. In normal mode, refilling is not needed.