Owners of brand refrigeration equipment Pozis often face the need to dismantle door elements. This may be necessary when transporting equipment through a narrow doorway, replacing damaged parts, or deep cleaning hard-to-reach areas. The process of removing handles on Pozis refrigerators has its own design features, which are important to consider in order not to damage the facade.
Modern models are equipped with different types of fastenings, from simple screw connections to complex hidden mechanisms. Improper dismantling can lead to chips of plastic or damage to the metal door. In this article we will analyze all the nuances of the procedure, the necessary tools and precautions.
Before starting work, you should prepare the workplace and make sure that all components are present. The refrigerator must be unplugged and food must be removed or securely secured so as not to interfere with access to the doors. This is a standard safety procedure for any manipulation of household appliances.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
To successfully complete the task, you will need a minimum set of tools that can be found in every home. The main tool will be a Phillips screwdriver, preferably with a magnetic tip, so as not to drop the fasteners inside the case. You may also need a flathead screwdriver to carefully pry up the decorative plugs.
In some cases, especially if the screws are stuck or rusty, WD-40 spray lubricant will come in handy. It will help loosen the tightening without using excessive physical force. You should not use a knife or other sharp objects not intended for repairs, as there is a high risk of damaging the door covering door covering.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting work, be sure to cover the floor in front of the refrigerator with soft material (mat, cardboard, blanket) so that fallen parts or tools do not scratch the floor or the equipment itself.
The organization of space plays a key role. Make sure there is enough room to maneuver around the refrigerator and that the lighting allows you to clearly see small parts of the structure. If the model is heavy, enlist the help of an assistant who will hold the door while unscrewing the fasteners.
☑️ Preparation for dismantling
Determination of the type of handle fastening on Pozis models
Refrigerators Pozis are produced in various series, and the design of the handles in them may differ. The most common option is overlay elements, which are attached directly to the front panel of the door with screws. In these models, the attachment points are often hidden under decorative caps or located on the inside of the door.
Another common type is mortise or integrated handles that are part of the door structure. Removing them may require removing the entire door panel or removing the top visor. It is important to carefully examine the model to understand what type of connection you are dealing with.
How to distinguish an overhead handle from a mortise one?
An overhead handle protrudes above the surface of the door and is secured with separate bolts. The mortise handle is integral with the door profile and often does not have visible external fasteners, as it is held on by latches or hidden screws inside the end.
If you cannot visually determine the type of fastening, refer to the operating instructions for your model. There are usually diagrams of components and methods for their maintenance. The lack of documentation is not a problem, since the mounting principle is similar for most models.
Step-by-step instructions: dismantling the overhead handles
The most common scenario is removing the overhead handle. Start by looking for fasteners. Most often they are located under plastic plugs, which can be located on the top, bottom or sides of the handle. Carefully pry off the plug with a flathead screwdriver, being careful not to scratch the plastic.
After removing the plugs, you will see screws. Use a suitable Phillips screwdriver to remove them. Proceed with caution: if the screw does not budge, do not use excessive force to avoid stripping the threads. It is better to drip a little grease and wait a few minutes.
When all the screws are unscrewed, the handle can be removed. It may be a tight fit, so pull it slightly towards you while holding the door with your other hand. Sharp jerks are unacceptable, as you can damage door fastening or tear off the handle along with a piece of plastic.
| Model type | Screw location | Type plugs | Tool |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pozis RD-149 | Top and bottom | Round plastic | Phillips screwdriver |
| Pozis RK-139 | Inner side | Absent | Philipps screwdriver |
| Pozis MIR-102 | Side (at the end) | Elongated | Flat screwdriver |
| Pozis Sviyaga | Top | Square | Phillips screwdriver |
Removing integrated and hidden controls
In models with hidden handles or elements combined with the control panel, the dismantling process is more complicated. This often requires removal of the entire door panel. To do this, you need to open the door and find the screws securing the decorative trim or the handle itself to the metal frame.
Sometimes the handle is fixed with powerful plastic latches. In this case, you need to carefully bend the edges or use a special plastic puller. It is better not to use metal tools so as not to leave marks on the glossy surface.
⚠️ Attention: When working with hidden mechanisms, there is a high risk of damaging the wiring if it is connected to the control panel. Always check for wires before putting too much tension on the part.
If the handle is part of the door profile, you may have to remove the top hinge of the door to gain full access to the fasteners. This requires care and adherence to the sequence of actions described in the instructions for a specific model.
Features of removing handles on two-chamber models
Two-chamber refrigerators Pozis have handles on both doors, and the approach to them may differ. The upper door (freezer) often has more massive fastenings due to the greater weight. The lower door can be equipped with hidden opening mechanisms.
When dismantling handles on two-chamber models, it is important to maintain symmetry of the actions if you plan to remove elements from both doors. This will help avoid distortions during reassembly. It is also worth considering that in some models the handles are connected by a common decorative strip.
Pay special attention to models with a system No Frostwhere sensors or elements of the defrosting system may be hidden behind the handle. Careless movement can lead to broken contacts. In such cases, it is better to first remove the protective panel.
Problems during dismantling and ways to solve them
A common problem is souring of threaded connections. If the screw does not turn, do not use brute force. Use a penetrating lubricant, apply it to the threads and leave for 10-15 minutes. This will greatly facilitate the unscrewing process.
Another difficulty is the breakage of plastic plugs or the handles themselves due to aging of the plastic. If the plastic has become brittle, be as gentle as possible. If necessary, you can slightly warm up the plastic element with a hairdryer (without overheating!) to make it more elastic.
If the screw is still broken, you can try using a screw extractor or carefully drilling out the head, but this is a last resort. It is better to try to unscrew it using standard methods, choosing the ideal screwdriver.
Installation of new handles and final assembly
After successful dismantling and carrying out the necessary work (cleaning, painting, replacement), you can begin installing new elements. Make sure that the new handles fully match the model of your refrigerator Pozis. A discrepancy of even a millimeter can lead to a loose fit.
Insert the screws into the holes and begin to tighten them by hand so as not to strip the threads. Then carefully tighten with a screwdriver. Do not overtighten the screws as this may warp the plastic or cause cracks around the hole.
Close the decorative caps. If the old plugs have lost their appearance, they can be replaced with new ones or carefully painted over with a marker to match the handle. Check the reliability of the fastening by opening and closing the refrigerator door several times.
⚠️ Attention: The design and location of the fastening elements may vary depending on the year of manufacture and the specific modification of the refrigerator. Always check the technical documentation of your device.
What to do if the new handle does not fit into place?
Check whether the internal elements of the door (wiring, sensors) are in the way. It may be necessary to adjust the position of the door or replace the seal that prevents a tight installation.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to remove the handle without removing the door from its hinges?
In most cases, yes, the handle can be removed separately. However, some models with hidden fastenings may require access from the inside of the door, which is sometimes more convenient to do with the door removed.
Where can you find original handles for a Pozis refrigerator?
Original spare parts can be purchased at authorized Pozis service centers or in specialized spare parts stores for household appliances, indicating the exact model of your refrigerator.
How to seal the holes if the new handle is smaller than the old one?
To mask excess holes, you can use special furniture plugs in the color of the door, acrylic plastic or epoxy putty followed by painting.
Is it necessary to defrost the refrigerator before removing handles?
There is no need to specially defrost the refrigerator, but it is better to remove the food so that it does not interfere with access and does not fall when the door is tilted during operation.
What to do if the screw is rusty and cannot be unscrewed?
Use a penetrating lubricant (WD-40), give it time to work. If it doesn’t help, you can try to gently heat the area around the screw, but with caution so as not to damage the plastic.