Refrigerators of the Belarusian brand Atlant are deservedly popular due to their reliability and affordability, but over time, even high-quality equipment requires maintenance. One of the most common problems that owners face is the breaking or loosening of door handles, which in modern models are often made of plastic and can crack with active use. Replacing or temporarily removing these elements may be required not only for installing a new part, but also for more convenient washing, painting or transporting the unit, especially into narrow doorways.
Many users, looking for an answer to the query “how to remove the handles on an Atlant video refrigerator,” expect to see a complex engineering process that requires specialized equipment, but in reality the procedure is more often It’s quite simple and can be done by any home handyman. The main thing in this matter is to understand the design of a specific fastening mechanism, since fundamentally different methods of fixation are used in different series and years of production. Incorrect actions can lead to breakage of the latches or damage to the door leaf, so it is important to act consistently and carefully. Atlant refrigerators Fundamentally different fixation methods are used. Incorrect actions can lead to broken latches or damage to the door leaf, so it is important to act consistently and carefully.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the stages of dismantling, paying special attention to hidden fasteners and nuances that are not always obvious at first glance. You will learn what tools you will need, how not to damage the decorative caps, and what to do if the handle gets stuck or jammed. The right approach will allow you to avoid calling a technician and save your budget by returning the refrigerator to its original appearance.
Features of the design of handles in different Atlant models
Before taking active steps, you must clearly identify the type of fastening installed on your refrigerator, since the design can vary significantly. In older models and series with a classic design, overhead handles are often used, which are fixed directly to the door surface through through holes or special grooves. In such cases, dismantling usually involves access to the bolts from the inside of the door, which requires first removing the door itself or using long screwdrivers.
Modern lines Atlant, especially built-in refrigerators and models with the No Frost system, are often equipped with integrated or hidden handles, as well as elements with decorative plugs. In these designs, the mounting screws can be hidden under plastic caps that mask the screw heads, or the handle itself is held on by powerful plastic latches. Understanding exactly what type fastening system you are dealing with determines the further strategy of work and the set of necessary tools.
⚠️ Attention: The plastic in old refrigerators becomes brittle over time due to temperature changes and drying out. Apply excessive force when removing decorative overlays - and you risk breaking them, after which you will have to look for a donor or order a new part.
It is also worth considering that in two-chamber models the design of the upper and lower handles may differ. For example, the mechanism on the freezer door may be simpler, while the main compartment of the refrigerator requires more delicate handling due to the presence of additional decorative panels or a control system. If you are not sure about the type of fastening, it is better to first study the technical documentation or find information on the specific article number of your model.
Necessary tools for dismantling
For successful and safe removal of handles from the refrigerator Atlant no complex professional tool is required, however, preparing the workplace and having suitable devices will greatly facilitate the task. A basic DIY kit usually includes several types of screwdrivers, as manufacturers may use different types of screw slots. The most common are Phillips screwdrivers of size PH2, but in some models flat slots can also be used.
- 🔧 A set of screwdrivers (phillips and flat of different sizes) is the main tool for unscrewing screws.
- 🔪 A thin flat object (medical spatula, plastic spatula or knife) - necessary for carefully prying up decorative plugs.
- 🧤 Protective gloves - will help avoid cuts on sharp edges of metal or plastic and provide a better grip.
- 🧲 Magnet - useful to avoid dropping small screws inside the refrigerator structure or on the floor.
It is important that the tip of the screwdriver exactly matches the size of the screw slot, otherwise you risk “licking” the head, which will turn a simple procedure into a long and painful operation of drilling out the fasteners. If the screws are painted or heavily rusted, a penetrating lubricant may be needed, but in the case of refrigerators it should be used with extreme caution to ensure that chemicals do not get on the rubber seals or inside the chamber.
Preparing to remove the handles
Before starting work, it is necessary to ensure safe conditions to avoid equipment damage or injury. The first and most important step is to disconnect the refrigerator from the electrical outlet. Although removing the handles does not directly involve electrical components, during the process you may touch the backlight wires, door sensors or control panel if they are located near the mounting location.
It is also recommended to empty the door shelves of heavy products to reduce the load on the hinges and make it easier to manipulate the door if it needs to be opened or tilted. It is better to cover the floor in the work area with soft cloth or cardboard: this will protect the floor covering from scratches with tools and soften the fall if a heavy metal handle or screw suddenly slips out of your hands.
☑️ Preparation for dismantling
Prepare a container in advance for storing screws and small parts. They tend to roll into the most inaccessible places, and the loss of even one fastening element can make it impossible to install a new handle. If you are planning to replace the handle with a new one, make sure that the purchased part fully matches the model of yours Atlanta, since even a millimeter discrepancy between the holes can become critical.
Step-by-step instructions: removing overhead handles
Additional handles handles are the most common type of fastening in classic refrigerator models. The process of removing them usually begins with inspecting the inside surface of the door. In most cases, access to the mounting screws is from the inside, where the handle is screwed to the door leaf. You will need to open the door and locate the holes or recesses against the base of the handle.
Use a suitable screwdriver to remove the screws. In some models Atlant refrigerators the screws may be hidden under plastic plugs that are located at the end of the door or directly on the interior panel. Carefully pry these plugs with a thin object, being careful not to damage their surface. After removing the fasteners, the handle should freely separate from the body.
| Type of fasteners | Location of screws | Required tools | Complexity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hidden (internal) | Inside the chamber, at the end of the door | Phillips screwdriver | Low |
| Open (external) | Side or bottom of the handle | Hexagon or screwdriver | Medium |
| Latch | Absent (clip system) | Plastic spatula | High |
If the screws are on the outside and covered with decorative caps, proceed as delicately as possible. Pry up the cap and remove it, then unscrew the loose fasteners. It happens that the handle sits very tightly due to accumulated dirt or oxidation; in this case, you can slightly rock it from side to side, but without jerking. After removal, clean the installation site of dirt before installing a new part.
Removing integrated and hidden handles
With integrated handles, which are a recess in the door body or a profile across the entire width, the situation is more complicated. Often these elements are part of the door panel and cannot be removed separately without replacing the entire door. However, in models Atlant with plastic handles, the mechanism may provide for their dismantling. Typically, such handles are held on a system of internal latches.
To remove it, you need to find the joint between the handle and the main door panel. Carefully insert the plastic card or spudger into the gap and slowly move along the joint while slightly pulling the handle towards you. You will hear the characteristic clicks of the latches opening. It is important to move sequentially, releasing the latches one by one, so as not to break the plastic “ears” of the fastening.
⚠️ Attention: When working with latches, a plastic spatula is preferable to a metal screwdriver, since the metal can leave deep scratches on the glossy surface of the refrigerator or crack the fragile plastic of the handle itself.
B In some cases, access to the integrated handle fasteners requires partial disassembly of the door panel or removal of the top cover of the refrigerator. This is typical for built-in models, where aesthetics is given special attention. If you feel that the handle cannot be easily manipulated, do not force the process - perhaps the design of your model involves a non-separable unit, and replacement is only possible together with the door.
Frequent problems and ways to solve them
During the dismantling process, you may encounter a number of difficulties that are typical for equipment that has been in use for a long time. One of the most common problems is “sticking” of screws or loss of mobility of plastic elements. If the screw does not come out, do not use brute force, which can lead to breakage of the screw head. Try using a penetrating lubricant, applying it pointwise to the threads, and wait 10-15 minutes.
Another problem is the breakage of the plastic latches during removal. If you hear a crunching noise and realize that the latch is broken, do not despair. In most cases, the handle can still be removed, releasing the remaining intact latches, but it will not be possible to install it back without replacing the broken element. For a temporary solution, you can use glue, but for reliable fixation it is better to purchase new fasteners or the handle itself.
What to do if the screw threads are slipping?
If the screw head is damaged and the screwdriver slips, you can try using a rubber strip for better grip, drilling out the head with a drill of a smaller diameter, or using screw extractor. As a last resort, if access allows, the screw can be carefully cut out with side cutters.
Also, users often encounter a situation where, after removing the old handle, it is discovered that the new part does not fit the holes. This may be due to the fact that the manufacturer made changes to the design in different years of production. In this case the only way out is to search for an original spare part by catalog number or modification of the mounting location, which requires skills in working with plastic and metal.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Is it possible to remove the handle without removing the door from the refrigerator?
In most models Atlant you can remove the handle without dismantling the door itself. However, if access to the screws is on the inside edge of the door and you are uncomfortable working in this position, or if the handle requires access from both sides at the same time, it is better to remove the door. To do this, you usually need to unscrew the hinge fastenings at the top and bottom.
Where can I find the catalog number of the handle for ordering?
The catalog number (art.) is usually indicated in the technical documentation for the refrigerator. It can also be found on the websites of spare parts manufacturers by entering the full model of your refrigerator (for example, MXM-2808). The number is often stamped on the inside of the handle itself, but in order to see it, the part often has to be removed first.
How can you replace a broken plastic handle temporarily?
For temporary use, you can use strong tape or special sticker handles, but this is unaesthetic and inconvenient. A more reliable option is to use universal magnetic handles that are attached to the surface of the door without drilling, although they may not be suitable for heavy freezer doors.
Why does the new handle wobble after installation?
Wobbling can be caused by several reasons: not fully tightened screws, wear of the seats in the plastic of the door, or inconsistency geometry of the new handle of the old model. Check that fasteners are tight and all gaskets are present. If the problem is broken holes, you can try to seal them or use screws of a slightly larger diameter (if the material allows).