The situation when the fittings of household appliances fail is always unpleasant, especially if it happens to a reliable Belarusian refrigerator. Door handle is an element that is subject to the greatest mechanical load, since we use it every day, several times a day. Over time, the plastic dries out, loses elasticity or gets hit, resulting in a crack or chip, making operation inconvenient.
Many unit owners Atlant immediately look for contacts of service centers, believing that replacing a part requires complex intervention and special tools. However, in most models, the design of door handles is designed so that their replacement is as simple and accessible as possible for the average user. You do not need expensive equipment, just a basic set of household tools and accuracy.
In this article we will analyze in detail the process of dismantling the old handle and installing a new one, consider the fastening features in different series of refrigerators and answer frequently asked questions. A correctly completed replacement will not only return the aesthetic appearance of your appliance, but will also prevent further destruction of the door leaf, which may occur when trying to open the refrigerator using a piece of debris.
Diagnostics of the breakdown and preparation for repair
Before taking active steps, it is necessary to assess the nature of the damage. If the handle is simply cracked but stays in place, it’s not so bad. It’s worse if it breaks off completely or is torn out by the “root” along with part of the door plastic. In the latter case, more complex repairs using epoxy adhesives or even replacing the door panel may be required, but most often it is enough to buy a new component.
To begin work, you will need to prepare a workplace. Clear space in front of the refrigerator so that nothing interferes with opening the doors wide. It is also important to ensure good lighting, as fasteners may be hidden in shadow areas or be of a color that blends into the surface of the door. Carefully inspect the attachment point: sometimes the crack does not go along the handle itself, but along the plastic base, which is attached to the metal.
⚠️ Attention! Before starting any work on household appliances, even something as simple as replacing fittings, it is strongly recommended to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. This will eliminate the risk of accidental electric shock if you touch backlight wires or electronic components in the process.
Determine the type of pen you have. In refrigerators Atlant there are mortise models (recessed into the body) and overhead models. The set of necessary tools depends on this. For mortise ones, simply prying the edge is often enough; for overhead ones, access to the inside of the door may be required. Make sure that the new part you purchased fully matches the model of your unit, since the geometry of the fasteners may differ between different series.
Necessary tools and materials
The success of the replacement operation directly depends on what you use. Using unsuitable objects, such as knives or screwdrivers with damaged blades, can result in scratches on the glossy surface of the door or licking off the slots on the screws. Therefore, assemble the right arsenal in advance.
The standard home craftsman's kit for this task includes:
- 🔧 A set of screwdrivers —it is necessary to have Phillips (PH2) and flathead screwdrivers of different sizes for working with screws and latches.
- 🔨 Plastic spatula or an old plastic knife— an indispensable tool for snapping off decorative plugs without damaging the plastic.
- 🧼 Degreaser (alcohol or special product) - necessary for cleaning the surface before installing a new part, if an adhesive connection is provided or simply for hygiene.
- 🧤 Gloves —to avoid leaving greasy marks on the clean surface of the new plastic and to protect your hands from possible burrs.
If your handle model requires fastening to self-tapping screws on the inside of the door, you may also need a magnetic bit holder so as not to drop the screw inside the door cavity. In some older models Atlant the fasteners may be hidden under decorative caps that require careful removal.
Technology for removing the old handle
The dismantling process begins with studying the design. In most modern models Atlant with a horizontal handle, which is a continuation of the upper or lower panel of the door, fastening is carried out from the inside. You need to open the refrigerator door and find holes or grooves at the end of the door that correspond to the location of the handle.
If the handle is overhead and is secured with screws that are visible from the outside (usually they are covered with decorative plugs), proceed as follows. Carefully pry off the plugs with a flat-head screwdriver or the blade of a knife. The screws are hidden underneath. Unscrew them counterclockwise. Do not apply excessive force if the screw does not go - the thread may have become sour, and it should be treated with a penetrating lubricant, leaving it for a few minutes.
For mortise handles that are integral with the door profile, the algorithm may differ. They are often held in place by powerful plastic latches. In this case, you need to find the technological holes (sometimes they are closed with rubber plugs at the end of the door) and squeeze the fasteners through them. In some cases, it is necessary to remove the entire upper or lower decorative strip of the door in order to gain access to the fastening elements of the handle.
☑️ Dismantling algorithm
After all the screws are unscrewed or the latches are released, the handle should be easily removed. If it “sits” tightly, do not yank it by force. Rock it from side to side and check that all screws have been removed. Sometimes additional fasteners may be in unexpected places, for example, under the door seal, although Atlantov this is not typical.
Comparison of fastening types in different models
Refrigerators Atlant are produced for several decades, and during this time the design of doors and handles has changed. Understanding your model's mounting type will help you avoid mistakes. Below is a table that helps identify the type of handle and how to replace it.
| Handle type | Characteristic models | Fastener location | Difficulty of replacement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Horizontal mortise | KSh, KX series (classic) | Hidden inside the profile, access through the end | Medium |
| Vertical overhead | XM Series, two-chamber | Screws on the front under the plugs | Low |
| Integrated (hidden) | N Series, Premium | Fastening along the entire length or hidden clamps | High |
| Handle-profile | Built-in models | Specific clamps | High |
The most common option in the mass segment is a horizontal handle, which is part of the top panel of single-chamber refrigerators or the top/bottom panel of double-chamber refrigerators. In such models replacement is often made without completely removing the door from its hinges, which greatly simplifies the task. However, if the handle is part of a complex profile, it may be necessary to dismantle the entire decorative trim.
For models with vertical overhead handles (often found in medium-sized two-chamber refrigerators), the process is as simple as possible. The main thing is not to lose the decorative caps covering the screw heads. They are small and easily lost in the carpet pile or between parts.
⚠️ Attention! If you are the owner of a built-in refrigerator Atlant, please note that it may use special handles for furniture facades or specific profiles. Before ordering a new part, be sure to remove the old one and compare its geometry with the photo in the catalog, since there are fewer universal solutions for installation.
Installing a new handle and final assembly
Installing a new part is done in the reverse order. Thoroughly clean the installation site from dust, remnants of old glue (if there was any) and dirt. If the new handle has a protective film, remove it only after final installation to avoid scratching the plastic during installation.
Insert the handle into the groove or attach it to the mounting location. If screws are used, start tightening them by hand to get into the threads, and only then use a screwdriver without overdoing it. Excessive force can lead to a crack in the new plastic or broken threads in the metal base of the door. Tighten the screws evenlywithout overdoing it. Excessive force can cause a crack in the new plastic or stripped threads in the metal base of the door.
What to do if the new handle is loose?
If after installation you notice play, check that all screws are tightened all the way. Sometimes it helps to place a thin washer or piece of plastic under the base of the handle at the attachment point if the gap is too large due to manufacturing tolerance.
After fixing the main part, install decorative plugs. They should click into place with a slight click. If they do not fit tightly, you can drop a drop of glue (not superglue, but more elastic) on the inside of the plug, but in 99% of cases this is not necessary, since they are held in place by friction.
Check the operation of the door. It should open and close freely, without distortion. Make sure that the new handle does not interfere with the door's tight fit to the body. If everything is in order, you can turn on the refrigerator and return the products to the shelves.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
The most common mistake is trying to forcefully tear off the handle without finding the hidden fasteners. This leads to breakage of the plastic mounting ears, after which it can be extremely difficult to restore them. Always look for screws or technological holes before using force.
The second mistake is using low-quality non-original spare parts. Cheap analogues may differ in color (fade faster) or in geometry. As a result, the pen may look foreign or quickly become unusable. Try to look for spare parts with markings corresponding to your Atlanta.
The third mistake is the loss of small parts. Screws, plugs and washers tend to run away. Prepare a container for all removed parts in advance. It is also not recommended to place tools and parts on the top of the refrigerator, from where they can roll down behind the unit.
- ❌ Do not use aggressive chemicals to clean the new handle, this can lead to clouding of the plastic.
- ❌ Do not ignore distortions: if the handle is crooked, it is better to re-screw it immediately than wait until it cracks under load.
- ❌ Do not throw away receipts and packaging from a new pen until its functionality is fully checked within a few days.
Questions and answers (FAQ)
Where can I find the refrigerator model number to order the correct handle?
The model number (for example, MHM 1700-02) is usually indicated on a nameplate (metal sticker) inside the refrigerator compartment on the side wall or on the back wall of the case. Also, this data is in the technical data sheet and warranty card.
Is it possible to glue a broken handle instead of buying a new one?
Glue is a temporary solution. The handle bears a large load of tearing and bending, so even high-quality glue will not last long. In addition, the gluing area will be noticeable and may get your hands dirty. It is better to order a new part, it is more reliable and more aesthetically pleasing.
How long does it take to replace a handle?
Depending on the model and your experience, the process takes from 10 to 30 minutes. If you do not need to disassemble the entire door, then replacing the overhead handle takes literally 5-10 minutes.
Will a handle from another Atlant refrigerator fit?
Not always. Despite the similarity of design, mounting locations and distances between mounts may differ even within the same model range. It is recommended to select the handle exactly according to the catalog number of your model.
What to do if the hole for the screw in the door plastic is broken?
If the door plastic around the hole is cracked, you can try to strengthen the repair site with epoxy glue with a reinforcing mesh on the inside. As a last resort, you will have to drill a new hole nearby and use a longer screw or bushing, but this requires care.