Changing the opening side Refrigerator doors are often a necessary procedure when remodeling a kitchen or purchasing new furniture. Many owners of household appliances Atlant face a situation where the standard door location interferes with convenient access to products. Fortunately, the design of most models of this brand provides the ability to reinstall hinges and handles without calling a technician.
The rehanging process does not require complex tools or deep engineering knowledge. It is enough to have a basic DIY kit on hand and strictly follow the algorithm of actions. In this article, we will analyze in detail all stages of the work, paying special attention to the nuances of dismantling and the correct assembly sequence so that you can complete the work efficiently and safely.
It is important to understand that before starting any manipulations, you must empty the unit of products and disconnect it from the power supply. This is a basic safety rule that cannot be ignored. Correctly performed re-hanging will not only improve the ergonomics of the kitchen space, but will also extend the service life of the seals, since the door will close more tightly and without distortions.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting work, be sure to make sure that your refrigerator model has the ability to re-hang the doors. Some budget or specific series may not have a technological hole for attaching hinges on the opposite side.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
To successfully complete the task, you will need a minimum set of tools, which can be found in any home craftsman's drawer. The main tool will be a screwdriver, but the type of its tip (phillips or flat) depends on the specific model Atlant. In some cases, a wrench or 10 mm socket may be required to remove the housing mounting bolts.
In addition, it is extremely important to prepare a flat and stable surface next to the refrigerator. You will need to temporarily reinstall removed doors, so the floor should be clean and the space free of clutter. If you have an assistant, this will greatly simplify the process, since the doors are quite heavy and are inconvenient to hold with one hand while unscrewing the fasteners.
Do not forget to prepare a soft rag or cardboard to place under the removed parts and not scratch the floor or decorative coating of the door itself. Masking tape may also be useful for securing moving elements while working.
- 🔧 Phillips and flat-head screwdrivers (different sizes)
- 🔩 10 mm wrench or socket (if necessary)
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges edges
- 📦 Container for storing small screws and plugs
Dismantling the top part and removing the door
You should always start work from the top of the refrigerator. You will need to remove the top case cover first if it is blocking access to the top hinge. To do this, unscrew the two screws located on the back of the cover and carefully slide it back. After this, you will have access to the upper hinge of the door.
Next you need to unscrew the fastenings of the upper hinge. Please note that in some models Atlant the screws may be hidden by decorative plugs. Carefully pry them off with a knife or flathead screwdriver. After unscrewing the bolts, remove the hinge and set it aside.
The most crucial moment is removing the door itself. It is held on the bottom loop, but the fixation can be quite tight. Have a helper hold the door while you free it from the top pin, and then gently lift it off the bottom pin. Do not make sudden movements to avoid damaging the seal or the floor.
☑️ Preparation for dismantling
Rearranging handles and plugs
After the door is removed, it is necessary to rearrange the handles. In most refrigerator models Atlant the handles are attached to screws on the inside of the door. You need to unscrew them, remove the handle and move it to the other side using the provided technological holes.
The holes that became free after removing the handle must be closed with decorative plugs. Usually they come with the refrigerator and are in a bag with documents, or are already installed on the opposite side and are simply swapped. If the plugs are lost, they can be replaced with neat stickers of a suitable color, although this is less aesthetically pleasing.
Pay special attention to the model Atlant XM 4008 and similar series, where the design of the handles may have its own characteristics. It is important here not to confuse the upper and lower parts of the handle if they are asymmetrical. Also check whether the internal elements of the door do not interfere with the installation of the handle in the new location.
| Element | Action | Tool |
|---|---|---|
| Upper handle | Dismantling and installation on the other side | Screwdriver |
| Bottom handle | Dismantling and installation on the other side | Screwdriver |
| Decorative plugs | Closing vacated holes | Hands |
| Fixing screws | Saving for reuse | Container |
What to do if Are the screws rusty?
If the screws securing the handles do not come off due to corrosion, drip a little penetrating lubricant (for example, WD-40) onto them and wait 10-15 minutes. Do not use excessive force to avoid stripping the thread.
Upgrading the bottom hinge and installing the door
The bottom hinge requires special attention, since it bears the main weight of the door. The design of refrigerators Atlant often provides for the possibility of rearranging the lower hinge pin. To do this, you need to unscrew the loop itself from the body and rearrange it into the symmetrical holes on the opposite side.
If your model has a non-removable pin or a different design, you may need to rearrange the bushing or use a special adapter, which is sometimes included. Carefully inspect the bottom of the refrigerator: there should be threaded holes on both sides, closed with plugs.
Installing the door to a new location is done in the reverse order. First we put the door on the lower pin, then we install the upper hinge on top and fix it with screws. It is important to monitor the vertical position of the door when tightening the fasteners to avoid distortions in the future.
Adjusting the tight fit and magnets
After installing the door on the new side, you need to check the tightness of the seal around the entire perimeter. If you notice gaps or a loose seal, the door may need to be adjusted. To do this, slightly loosen the screws securing the top hinge, move the door to the correct position and tighten them again.
In some models, for example Atlant 4502, it may be necessary to rearrange the magnetic lock or stop, if it is provided for in the design. This ensures that the door will not open spontaneously when the refrigerator is slightly tilted or there is a draft.
Check the operation of the door: it should open smoothly, without squeaks, and close tightly. If the door opens too easily or, conversely, with force, check the angle of the refrigerator itself. Adjusting the support legs at the bottom of the case will help you set the correct tilt back, which will ensure automatic closing.
Frequent errors and troubleshooting
When re-hanging doors on their own, beginners often make mistakes that can lead to equipment damage. One of the most common is the loss of fasteners. Small screws and plugs easily roll under the refrigerator or get lost in shuffle, so use a magnetic plate or container with a lid.
Another mistake is the wrong sequence of actions. If you try to remove the door without freeing it from the top fastening or without disconnecting the wires (in models with a display on the door), you can damage the wiring or deform the hinges. Always follow the instructions for your specific series.
It is also worth mentioning the problem of skew. If after installation the door warps and does not close, do not try to force it in. Loosen the fasteners, level the door and tighten again. Sometimes it takes several attempts to achieve the ideal result.
⚠️ Attention: If your refrigerator model is equipped with an electronic control module on the door (display, buttons), be sure to disconnect the cable cable before removing the door. Just disconnect the connector so as not to damage the contacts.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Is it possible to hang the door on a two-chamber Atlant refrigerator?
Yes, on most two-chamber models Atlant you can reverse both doors. The process is similar to that described, but is performed sequentially for each camera. First, the upper door of the freezer is removed, then the lower door of the refrigerator, or vice versa, depending on the design.
Do you need a special key for Atlant hinges?
In most cases, a standard Phillips screwdriver and a 10 mm open-end wrench are sufficient. A specialized wrench is usually not required unless you are working with industrial series or very old models where the fasteners may have rusted.
What should you do if the door does not stay in place after rehanging?
Check that the bottom hinge pin is installed correctly and that the top hinge screws are tightened tightly. Also make sure that the refrigerator is level and tilted slightly backwards. If the problem is with worn hinges, they need to be replaced with new ones.
Will the warranty remain valid after re-hanging yourself?
According to the law, re-hanging doors yourself is not grounds for voiding the warranty if the unit components were not damaged in the process. However, if you strip the threads or break the door, the warranty claim will be void. Proceed with caution.