Moving large household appliances is always stressful for the owner and a serious test for himself unit. The question of how to remove a refrigerator from its stand often arises immediately after delivery or when planning to move to a new place of residence. Incorrect actions at this moment can lead to damage to the compressor, disruption of the housing geometry or injury to loaders.
Modern models Indesit, LG or Bosch are often supplied on special wooden or plastic platforms that securely fix the equipment during transportation. These structural elements protect the bottom and legs from impacts, but are absolutely useless and even dangerous when used in the kitchen. They must be dismantled to ensure stability and proper operation of the cooling system.
Before taking active steps, you need to clearly understand what type of base you are dealing with. In some cases, the “stand” is mistakenly considered to be transport bars, in others - the factory platform itself. Ignoring this stage This can lead to you trying to move a heavy unit along with excess load, which can lead to a fall.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to try to move the refrigerator, standing on a factory wooden platform, by tilting or dragging. This is guaranteed to lead to separation of the legs or deformation of the bottom of the case.
Identification of the type of factory packaging
The first step is a careful visual inspection of the lower part of the unit. Manufacturers use different fixation methods. The most common type is a wooden pallet to which the housing is attached with bolts or plastic clamps. This design is typical for heavy two-chamber models and Side-by-Side systems. In this case, dismantling requires tools and physical strength.
Lighter models, such as Samsung or Haier, can be fixed on a foam base using stretch film and cardboard corners. Here the situation is simpler: often it is enough to simply cut the fixing materials. However, it is worth remembering that polystyrene foam can crumble, creating debris, so it is better to prepare a vacuum cleaner or a damp cloth in advance.
Models with the system deserve special attention. No Frost. Their tray can hide not only the legs, but also the lower part of the condenser or the compressor compartment. Careless movement of the lever or crowbar when removing the platform can damage the heat exchanger tubes. If you see that the platform covers the technical compartment, proceed with increased caution.
Why do manufacturers not remove the stands at the factory?
Factory packaging is designed with aggressive logistics in mind: falls from forklifts, vibration in trucks, stacking of cargo. Removing the platform at the production stage would deprive the equipment of protection, and most of the damaged compressors would reach the final buyer.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
To perform the task efficiently, you will need a minimum set of tools that can be found in every home. You'll need a Phillips head screwdriver, a wrench (often 10 or 12mm), pliers, and possibly a screwdriver to speed up the process. If the platform is nailed, a nail puller with a wide working part will not be amiss, so as not to damage the floor covering.
Pay special attention to protecting the floor. Wooden pallets often have rough surfaces or protruding nails that can scratch laminate or hardwood floors. Place thick cardboard, an old blanket or special protective mats under the work area. This is especially true if you plan to use lever to lift the case.
Before starting work, be sure to clear the space around the refrigerator. Remove rugs, stools and other objects that may interfere with maneuvers. It is also recommended to prepare a container for storing fasteners in advance so as not to lose them in the process. Small parts, such as washers or plastic plugs, tend to roll into the most inaccessible places.
☑️ Preparation for dismantling
Technology for removing the wooden platform
If your refrigerator is installed on a wooden base, the process of removing it requires following a certain sequence. First you need to find the attachment points. There are usually 4 or 6 bolts that go through the legs of the refrigerator and into a piece of wood. Some models Liebherr or Siemens may use special plastic clamps that need to be carefully pryed off with a flat screwdriver.
After unscrewing all the bolts, do not rush to sharply pull the platform up. The wood could “stick” to metal or plastic during storage. Use light rocking movements from side to side to loosen the structure. If the platform sits tightly, you can carefully use the pry bar, placing a soft pad under it so as not to damage the decorative base of the refrigerator.
An important point: when removing a heavy platform, the refrigerator may lose stability. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that two people perform this operation. One person holds the body, ensuring a vertical position, and the second is engaged in dismantling the base. This safety rule is especially critical for narrow and tall models.
⚠️ Attention: When using metal tools (keys, screwdrivers), make sure that they do not slip and pierce the thermal insulation or damage the tubes running along the perimeter of the rear wall or bottom.
Dismantling of transport bars and clamps
Often, by “stand” users understand transport bars that are attached directly to the legs or bottom. These elements are made of hard foam or wood and secured with tape or plastic clamps. Their removal is a mandatory step before installing the equipment in a permanent place.
To remove such clamps, use a utility knife or scissors. Carefully cut the tape, without making sudden movements, so as not to scratch the coating of the legs. If the bars are held on by plastic latches, they need to be pressed simultaneously from several sides. In models Electrolux there are often combined fastening systems that require preliminary removal of decorative overlays.
After removing the bars, inspect the surface of the legs. There may be traces of glue or lint from the tape on them. Remove dirt with an alcohol solution or a special plastic cleaner. Clean feet will provide better grip on the adjusting screws and prevent slipping on a smooth floor.
| Mounting type | Tool | Difficulty | Risks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bolted connection | Wrench, screwdriver | Medium | Thread breakage, loss of washers |
| Plastic clamps | Nippers, scissors | Low | Hand cuts, body scratches |
| Stretch film | Clerical knife | Low | Damage to paint due to inaccurate cutting |
| Adhesive connection | Spatula, hair dryer | High | Tearing decorative elements |
Adjusting the supports after removing the stand
After you have managed to remove the refrigerator from the stand, the unit must be installed correctly. Factory feet often have adjusting screws that have been screwed out to secure them into the platform, or vice versa, they have been clamped. Now they need to be put in the correct position. This is necessary to ensure the horizontal position of the body and the correct angle of inclination for automatic closing of the doors.
Use a building level, placing it on the top cover of the refrigerator. Rotate the front supports clockwise or counterclockwise to achieve the perfect horizon. If the floor is uneven, adjust each leg individually. In models Atlant i Biryusa the front legs are often made in the form of wide plastic supports, which you simply need to unscrew to the desired height.
Don't forget to check the stability. The refrigerator should not wobble when lightly pressed on a corner. If play is observed, try (fine-tuning) the rear pair of legs, if the model design allows for this. Correct installation will reduce the level of vibration and noise during compressor operation.
Typical errors and safety measures
The most common mistake is trying to remove the stand without fixing the refrigerator itself. When you remove the support, the center of gravity shifts and the heavy machine can collapse on a person. Always support your body or work with an assistant. They also often forget to check whether the door itself is screwed to the stand (in some rare cases, secured for transportation), which can lead to the hinges coming off.
Another mistake is using excessive force. If the stand cannot be removed by hand after unscrewing all the visible bolts, then there are hidden fasteners. Continue searching for fasteners rather than yanking the structure. Using force can break the plastic parts of the underbody, which can be expensive to repair.
Hand safety is also important. Wooden pallets are often made from recycled materials and may contain skid marks, protruding nails or staples. Wear thick construction gloves. This will protect the skin from splinters and cuts from sharp edges of wood or metal.
⚠️ Attention: If during the dismantling process you find damage to the condenser tubes or the smell of gas, stop work immediately, open the windows for ventilation and call a specialist. Self-repair of the cooling circuit is prohibited.
What to do with a wooden stand?
Do not rush to throw the wooden platform into the garbage chute - it may not fit through. It is best to disassemble it into boards (a nail puller will help) and take it out to a container for bulky waste. Plywood and timber can be used for household needs or kindling.
Final stage and performance check
When the stand is removed and the legs are adjusted, you can proceed to the final installation. Move the refrigerator to its permanent place, leaving a gap of 5-10 cm from the back wall for air circulation. This is critical for efficient heat transfer. Make sure that the equipment is level and does not fall back.
Now you can connect the unit to the power supply. However, don't rush to load the products. Let the refrigerator run idle for 2-4 hours (and if there was horizontal transportation, then for 24 hours) so that the oil in the compressor is distributed throughout the system and the desired temperature conditions are established inside.
Check the tightness of the doors and the operation of the seals. If all steps are completed correctly, your refrigerator is ready for full operation. Regularly check the stability of the legs, especially in the first weeks after installation, as they may “settle” a little under the weight of the unit.
Is it possible to use the refrigerator if the stand is not removed? completely?
No, this is strictly prohibited. The stand is unstable, interferes with proper air circulation around the compressor and may cause vibration and noise. In addition, the height of the platform is not intended for comfortable use of the refrigerator.
What to do if the leg breaks off when removing the stand?
Don’t panic. Legs for most popular models (Indesit, LG, Samsung) are universal or can be easily selected from the catalog. You will need to know the exact model of the refrigerator and contact a service center or spare parts store to order a new support.
Do you need to call a technician to remove the stand?
In most cases this is not required. The process of dismantling the platform is designed for the end user and does not require specific knowledge. However, if you are not confident in your abilities or are afraid of damaging expensive equipment, it is better to use the services of professional movers or craftsmen.
How to dispose of a wooden stand in an apartment building?
Wooden pallets are considered bulky waste. They cannot be thrown into regular bins. It is necessary to take them to a special site for bulky waste or call a construction waste removal service if the volume is large.