Replacing or repairing door handles refrigerator elements is a task that many owners of household appliances face, especially if the standard fittings have become unusable or have lost their aesthetic appearance. Removing handles on models Atlant may seem difficult due to the lack of visible fasteners, which often confuses inexperienced users. However, the process does not require a complex tool if you know where to look for hidden screws and how to properly act on plastic fasteners.
In this article we will analyze in detail the design of fasteners, the features of removing fittings from different series of two-chamber units and nuances that will help avoid breakage plastic. The key point is to remove the decorative plugs firstwhich hide the main fasteners. The wrong approach can lead to chips or cracks, so it is important to act consistently and carefully.
Before you start work, you need to prepare your work area and make sure that you have all the necessary tools at hand. Atlant refrigerators They are famous for their reliability, but their plastic can be damaged fragile at low temperatures, so it is recommended to carry out work in a warm room. This will reduce the risk of accidental breakage of fastening elements during dismantling.
Design features of Atlant fastenings
Engineers Minsk Refrigerator Plant use several types of fastening door handles depending on the series and year of manufacture of the model. Most modern modifications use hidden installation, where the screws are located under decorative overlays or directly at the end of the element. Understanding the type of fastening is the first step to a successful repair without damage.
The most common systems are with top and bottom fastening, where the load is distributed evenly. If you try to simply tear off the handle without finding the screws, there is a high probability of damaging the door or the hardware itself. Some models, especially built-in or system series No Frostmay use additional latches.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use excessive force when trying to remove the element. If the handle does not budge after unscrewing all visible screws, then there is a hidden lock or plug that needs to be found.
To accurately determine the type of your unit, it is best to check the technical documentation or find the model on the official website, since the design can change even within one year of manufacture. Knowing the design will help you avoid mistakes and maintain the integrity of the door leaf.
Necessary tools for dismantling
For the process to go smoothly and quickly, it is important to prepare all the tools in advance. You don't need specialized equipment; a standard home DIY kit is enough. The main requirement is that the tools must be in good condition so as not to tear off the slots on the screws.
- 🔧 Phillips screwdriver (PH2) - the main tool for unscrewing screws.
- 🪛 Slotted screwdriver with a thin tip - necessary for prying off the plugs.
- 🧤 Work gloves - will protect your hands from sharp edges and dirt.
- 🔦 Flashlight - to illuminate the fastening points in the depths of the holes.
Sometimes the screws can be tightened very tightly or have traces of corrosion, especially if the refrigerator was used in a kitchen with high humidity. In such cases, penetrating lubricantmay be required, but it must be used extremely carefully so as not to stain the plastic or seals.
It is also recommended to have a soft rag on hand to wipe the surface after removing parts. A clean work area is the key to ensuring that small screws do not get lost or fall inside the door mechanisms.
Preparation for removing the handles
Before starting any work with electrical appliances, even if they are not directly related to the electrical part, it is recommended to observe basic safety measures. Although removing the handles does not require unplugging, it can be a convenient time for general cleaning or checking other elements.
Create space in front of the refrigerator to allow easy access to the doors on all sides. Remove items from shelves near handles to prevent them from falling when the door is vibrated or tilted. This is especially important for heavy glass shelves.
If there are stickers or dirt on the surface of the handle, it is better to clean them first. This will allow you to better examine the structure and not damage the decorative coating when gripping with a tool. Atlant plastic sensitive to aggressive chemicals, so use mild detergents.
☑️ Preparation for dismantling
Step-by-step instructions: removing the top handle
Dismantling the upper part usually begins with a search for decorative elements. On many models Atlant there are small plastic plugs on the top or bottom of the handle, painted in the color of the body. They hide the screw heads and give an aesthetic appearance.
Carefully pry up the plug with a thin slotted screwdriver. The movement should be smooth, without jerking. After removing the plug you will see a hole for a Phillips screwdriver. Unscrew the screw, but do not remove it completely if you plan to install the same part back - this makes it easier to get into the hole during installation.
In some models, the top handle may be held on by latches after unscrewing the screws. In this case, it is necessary to slightly pull the element towards you or move it to the side, according to the design. If the handle is completely removable, it will easily come away from the door leaf.
| Model type | Screw location | Plug type | Tool |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic (2-chamber) | Bottom handles | Round plastic | PH2 screwdriver |
| XM-40xx series | Top and bottom | Elongated | Screwdriver PH2 + slotted |
| Built-in models | Hidden (at the end) | Absent | Long Phillips |
| Side-by-Side | Internal part | Decorative overlay | Set of screwdrivers |
For example, in some cases the screw may not be under the plug, but may be covered by the handle itself, which you need move first. A careful inspection will help determine the correct algorithm of action.
⚠️ Attention: When unscrewing screws, try to hold the screwdriver strictly perpendicular to the surface. Tilt can lead to breakage of the thread in the plastic seat, which will require door repair.
Removing the bottom handle: nuances of the process
Removing the bottom handle often raises more questions, since access to it may be limited by the design of the freezer. The principle of operation is similar to the upper element: search for plugs, unscrew the screws and carefully remove.
Pay attention to the condition of the sealing rubber near the attachment point. When working with a tool, it is easy to accidentally damage sealwhich will lead to a violation of the seal of the chamber. Work carefully, monitoring the position of your hands and the screwdriver.
If the screws are rusty and cannot be unscrewed, do not rush to use force. You can drop a little oil on the threads and wait 10-15 minutes. This will help soften the oxides and facilitate the dismantling process without the risk of breaking the screw head.
What to do if the screw seat breaks?
If the plastic hole in the door has widened and the screw does not hold, you can try carefully inserting a match or a piece of toothpick into the hole before screwing in the screw. This will create additional pressure and help secure the handle. However, this is a temporary solution, and it is better to replace the fasteners with a longer one or use epoxy resin to strengthen the plastic.
After removing the bottom handle, inspect the inside surface of the door. There may remain traces of glue or dirt, which are best removed immediately. A clean surface will provide better adhesion if you plan to glue a new handle or install a repair kit.
Problems during removal and their solutions
During operation, plastic ages and becomes more fragile, especially under the influence of temperature changes and detergents. This can lead to the fact that during dismantling the handle will crack or the fastening eye will break off.
If you are faced with the fact that the screw turns but does not come out, the thread on the screw itself or in the body of the door may be broken. In this case, remove the screw with thin pliers or use an extractor to unscrew the broken bolts.
A frequent problem is the loss of decorative plugs. They are small and easily lost. If you remove them, immediately place them in a small parts container. Replacing them later will be difficult, since they are rarely sold separately.
⚠️ Attention: Technical characteristics and design may vary slightly depending on the specific production batch. Always rely on a visual inspection of your device.
In the event of serious damage to the plastic fastening elements, repairs may require the use of plastic glue or replacement of the entire door if the fastening holes are destroyed. Therefore, accuracy is the main tool of the master.
Installation of new handles and testing
After successful dismantling of old elements, you can begin installation new. The process is in reverse order: inserting screws, tightening and installing decorative trims. It is important not to overtighten the screws so as not to deform the plastic.
Check the fit of the new handle. It should not wobble or have any play. If there is play, the screws may not be tightened tightly enough or the geometry of the new part does not perfectly match the original.
After installation, wipe the surface with a damp cloth and check the operation of the doors. They should open and close freely, without jamming. The new handle should fit comfortably in the hand and withstand the load when opening the full chamber.
Is it possible to remove the handle without a screwdriver?
In most cases, no. The design Atlant assumes a screw connection. An attempt to remove the handle by force without unscrewing the screws is guaranteed to lead to breakage of the plastic fastening elements or the handle itself.
Where to buy original handles for Atlant?
Original spare parts are best ordered from authorized service centers or specialized stores of spare parts for household appliances. When ordering, be sure to indicate the exact model of the refrigerator, as the fastenings may vary.
What to do if the screw is rusty and does not turn?
Use a penetrating lubricant (for example, WD-40), apply it to the threads and leave for 15-20 minutes. After this, try to carefully develop the screw, turning it slightly back and forth. If the cap comes off, use an extractor or thin pliers.
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before removing the handles?
Complete defrosting is not necessary if you work quickly. However, if the refrigerator is old and the plastic is very cold, it is better to let it warm up to room temperature to reduce the risk of cracks during dismantling.
Are handles from other Atlant models suitable?
Not always. Despite the external similarity, the distance between the mounting holes and the shape of the legs may differ. It is better to select a handle strictly according to the catalog number or the exact model of your unit.