The need to change the direction of opening the refrigerator door Atlant often arises when moving, remodeling a kitchen, or purchasing a new model that does not fit into the dimensions of the room in a standard way. Manufacturers have provided the ability to flip the canvas, which makes operation more convenient in narrow spaces. The process requires care, but it can be done at home if you have a basic set of tools.
It is important to understand that the design of hinges and canopies may differ between different series. Before starting work, you should make sure that your model subject to revolution, since there are budget options where the hinges are welded or the design does not allow symmetrical reinstallation. In most cases, especially in two-chamber models, this function is provided by the manufacturer.
The work will take from 30 to 60 minutes, depending on experience. The key point is the correct dismantling sequence so as not to damage the decorative plugs or the enamel of the case itself. Careless handling of the fittings can lead to distortion of the door and disruption of the tight fit of the seal.
Preparation of the workplace and necessary tools
Before proceeding with dismantling, it is necessary to clear the space around the refrigerator. You will need access from all sides, as the door will have to be set aside. Remove all food, shelves and drawers from the refrigerator and freezer compartments to make the structure as light as possible. This will reduce the load on the hinges and minimize the risk of the heavy blade falling.
The basic set of tools is standard for household repairs. You will need a Phillips screwdriver, a wrench (usually 10mm) and a flathead screwdriver to remove the plugs. It is also recommended to prepare masking tape to secure the moving elements during work, and a marker to mark the holes for new hinges.
☑️ Check before starting work
Pay special attention to the stability of the refrigerator itself. If your model Atlant has adjustable legs, unscrew them so that the body stands as rigidly as possible and does not wobble when force is applied. Ideally, move the unit away from the wall at arm's length.
Dismantling the top hinge and removing the door
The process begins from the top of the structure. First, remove the decorative cover that hides the top hinge mounting bolts. Usually it is pryed off with a flat screwdriver or simply removed by hand if it has a groove. Underneath it you will find two or three bolts that need to be unscrewed.
After loosening the fasteners, the door will not fall on its own, since it is held by the hinge pin. Carefully lift the door leaf up to remove the axle from the bottom hole and remove the hinge. The door can now be set aside by placing it on a prepared soft surface (such as a blanket or cardboard) to avoid scratching the front panel.
⚠️ Attention: The refrigerator door is heavier than it looks, especially if it has glass shelves (which you should have already removed). Do not try to remove it with one hand - call an assistant to avoid back injuries or falling on your feet.
Turn the removed door face down. At the ends you will see holes for handles and plugs. This is where it lies the main feature of the Atlant models: handles are often attached not only to bolts, but also to hidden latches that require careful handling. Remove the old handle by unscrewing the screws from the inside of the leaf.
Installing a new handle and moving the fittings
There should already be factory holes on the opposite end of the door, where you plan to move the handle. If they are not present (in very old models), drilling will be required, but in modern ones Atlantakh the holes are closed with plastic plugs. Remove them carefully. Install the new handle, aligning the mounting holes, and secure it with screws from the inside.
It is important not to overtighten the screws so as not to push through the plastic or metal of the blade. The handle should fit tightly, without play. If the new handle comes with decorative trims, install them now. Check the symmetry of the installation: the distance from the edge of the door to the handle on the left and right should be the same.
The vacated holes in the old place (where the handle was originally) must be closed. For this purpose, plugs are used, which often come with the refrigerator in a bag with documents, or those that were removed from the new side. If the plugs are lost, the holes can be painted over with a matching marker, although this is less aesthetically pleasing.
Reversing the lower support and middle hinge
The most difficult part of the job is relocating the lower support sleeve and the middle hinge (for two-chamber models). At the bottom of the refrigerator, under the door, there is a plastic or metal sleeve on which the door rests. It needs to be removed from the current hole and inserted into a symmetrical hole on the other side.
To move the middle hinge (separating the refrigerator and freezer compartments), you will need to remove the second door if you have a two-chamber one. First, the top door is removed, then access to the middle hinge is freed. It is dismantled in the same way as the top one: the bolts are unscrewed and the hinge is removed. Pay attention to the pins - they cannot be lost.
| Element | Action | Tool |
|---|---|---|
| Upper loop | Remove, move to the other side | 10 mm key |
| Middle hinge | Remove along with the pin | Phillips screwdriver |
| Lower bushing | Move to mirror hole | Flat screwdriver |
| Plug decor | Replace | Hands |
After transferring all the elements, make sure that the hinge pins are pointing straight up. If the pin is misaligned, the door will not stay in place or will squeak. Lubricate the rubbing parts of the hinges with a small amount of silicone grease or lithol for silent operation.
Installation of doors in a new configuration
Assembly is carried out in the reverse order. The bottom door (freezer) is installed first. Place it on the bottom pin, then place the middle loop on top and screw it to the refrigerator body. Control the gaps: the door should hang straight, without distortions to the left or right.
Then the upper door is installed. Place it on the middle hinge pin, place the top hinge on top and secure with bolts. At this stage Do not tighten the bolts all the way. Leave a small gap to be able to adjust the position of the blade.
What to do if the holes do not match?
If, when installing the top hinge, the holes do not coincide with the threads on the body, then the door is skewed. Do not use excessive force to avoid stripping the threads. Loosen the middle hinge, straighten the door and try again. Often you need the help of a second person to hold the door in the desired position while you tighten the fasteners.
Check the operation of the doors. They should open smoothly, without jamming. When released from an angle of 45 degrees, a working refrigerator Atlant should close on its own thanks to the magnets and the tilt of the body. If the door does not reach the end, it may be hanging too low.
Adjustment and elimination of distortions
The final stage is adjustment. If you notice that the door does not fit tightly or touches the body, you need to change the height of the hinge. This is done by unscrewing or tightening the adjusting bolts on the hinges (if they are provided for in the design) or by placing washers.
Often the problem of loose closing is solved by adjusting the front support legs of the refrigerator itself. Raise the front of the unit by unscrewing the front legs. This will create a natural slope back, and the doors will close under their own weight.
⚠️ Attention: Do not ignore checking the tightness after the overturn. A door that is not tightly closed will lead to freezing of ice (“coat”) and increased energy consumption.
To check the tightness, use a simple test with a sheet of paper. Clamp the sheet with the door around the perimeter. It must be pulled out with force. If the paper falls out on its own or comes out too easily, the seal is not properly sealed in that area. Try loosening or tightening the hinge fasteners a little on this side.
Common mistakes and ways to avoid them
One of the common mistakes is the loss of decorative plugs. They are small and easy to roll away. Immediately after removal, place all small parts in a separate container. Another mistake is installing doors “in weight” without fixing them, which leads to thread failure.
Don’t forget about the electrics. In some models Atlant the wiring goes through one of the doors (usually the top one). If you have a model with a display or complex electronics on the door, a simple flip is impossible without resoldering the wires or extending the cables. In such cases, it is better to contact the service.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Is it necessary to defrost the refrigerator before turning the doors?
Yes, this is a prerequisite. There should be no ice inside, and the unit itself should be dry. In addition, defrosting will make the design easier, and you will be able to safely tilt the refrigerator if you need to access the lower elements.
Is it possible to turn the door over if it has a display?
Doing it yourself is extremely difficult. Control wires are usually a fixed length and located on one side. It will be necessary to lengthen the cables and resolder the contacts, which requires the qualifications of an electronics engineer. There are no restrictions for ordinary models without displays.
Why did the door begin to close worse after the revolution?
Most likely, the angle of the body is broken. The refrigerator should be tilted backwards. Unscrew the front adjustable feet until the rear is lower than the front. Also check that the seal does not touch shelves or products.
Where can I get new plugs if the old ones are lost?
Plugs can be ordered at authorized service centers Atlant according to the catalog number of your model. Temporarily, the holes can be covered with matching pieces of plastic or carefully sealed so that moisture does not get in.