The need to remove handles from the refrigerator door arises quite often, especially when moving, when the dimensions of the equipment do not allow passage through the doorway, or when deep cleaning the interior.
The design of these elements may vary significantly depending on the manufacturer and year of manufacture of the model Samsung, Bosch or LG.
The wrong approach to removal can lead to damage to the decorative trims or even deformation of the door itself, so it is important to study the type of fastening in advance.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the nuances of the process so that you can complete the job safely and quickly.
Determining the type of fastening and preparing tools
Before starting active actions, it is necessary to visually inspect the junction of the handle with the body of the refrigerator.
There are two main types of structures: open fastening, where screws or bolts are visible, and hidden, where fasteners are disguised under decorative plugs or located inside the profile.
For work you will need a minimum set of tools, which is usually found in every home, but it is better to prepare it in advance so as not to interrupt process.
- 🔧 Flathead and Phillips head screwdrivers (size PH2 is often required)
- 🔑 Hex keys (a set of metric sizes, often 4 mm or 5 mm)
- 🔪 Thin plastic spatula or pick for removal plugs
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp edges
It is important to understand that hidden fastening requires more delicate handling, since the risk of damaging the outer layer of the door is higher here.
If you see small round or oval holes on the ends or inside of the handle, most likely the fasteners are located there.
⚠️ Attention: Never use metal knives or sharp objects to pick plugs on glossy surfaces - this is guaranteed to leave scratches.
Removing handles with hidden fastenings
The most common option in modern refrigerator models are handles with screws hidden inside the gutter or under end caps.
First, carefully inspect the lower and upper parts of the handle: often there are plastic plugs installed there that need to be pryed off with a thin tool.
After removing the plugs, you will have access to the screws, which are usually tightened using a hexagon.
The unscrewing process should take place calmly, without sudden jerks, so as not to strip the thread.
If the screws do not unscrew, they may have become stuck or soured from moisture, then you can drop a little penetrating lubricant like WD-40 and wait 10-15 minutes.
After unscrewing all the bolts, the handle does not always fall on its own - sometimes it is held in place due to a tight fit or residual glue.
☑️ Check before removal
In some models Indesit or Atlant the fastener may be located at the end of the door, which requires opening the door for access.
It is important here not to drop the screw inside the refrigerator body, which can lead to compressor failure in the future.
Use a magnetic screwdriver or hold the fastener with your fingers when removal.
Removing overhead handles with visible bolts
Designs with open fastenings are less common, usually in retro models or refrigerators in the budget segment.
Here the screws are immediately visible, often they are covered only with decorative caps that can be easily removed by hand or with tweezers.
The main difficulty is that when unscrewing one bolt, the second can turn if you do not fix the handle itself.
Ask an assistant to hold the handle while you unscrew the fastener, or use a second key to fix the nut on the reverse side, if the design allows it.
Often, such handles are fastened with through pins passing through the metal door.
When removing, make sure that the door sealing rubber does not get under the fastening element, otherwise, during reassembly, problems with tightness may arise.
What to do if the plastic plug breaks?
If during dismantling you damaged the decorative cap, do not despair. In most cases, you can order a set of new plugs at the service center or select universal analogs based on the hole diameter. You can temporarily hide the defect with a small piece of black electrical tape or a sticker matched to the color.
Sometimes the threads on visible bolts are broken, which requires drilling out the fasteners, but this is a last resort.
Try to act carefully, using the correct bits that match the screw head.
Features of dismantling on different brands
Different manufacturers use their own engineering solutions, and knowledge of these nuances can save you a lot of time.
Below is a table that helps you navigate the features of popular brands.
| Refrigerator brand | Fastener location | Tool type | Nuances |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung | Hidden, inside the profile | 4 mm hexagon | Often it is necessary to remove the top plug |
| LG | Bottom and top (ends) | Phillips screwdriver | You need to remove the decorative trims |
| Bosch | From the end of the door | Hexagon 5 mm | The fastener is hidden when the door is closed |
| Whirlpool | The inside of the handle | Flat screwdriver | Sometimes an adhesive connection is used |
Models Liebherr often equipped with handles that are attached to special aluminum profiles that run the entire height of the door.
In such cases, dismantling may require removing the entire decorative edging, which is a more complex procedure.
Always look for the model marking on the inside wall of the refrigerator to find the exact diagram on the Internet if standard methods do not work.
Problems with rusted or jammed fasteners
If the refrigerator is operated in conditions of high humidity, metal fastening elements may to undergo corrosion.
An attempt to forcefully remove a rusty screw often leads to the screw head being licked off, and it becomes almost impossible to remove it without special tools.
In such a situation, do not use excessive force, which can split the plastic of the handle or damage the door coating.
Use special penetrating liquids that dissolve rust and make it easier to unscrew.
Apply the product to the joint and leave for the time specified in the liquid manufacturer's instructions.
Sometimes lightly heating the joint with a hair dryer (not a construction hair dryer, but a regular hair dryer) helps, as the metal expands and the rust bond weakens.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use open fire to heat refrigerator parts, as this may damage the plastic case or foam insulation inside the door.
If the screw is still broken, you will have to use extractors or drill out the remaining fasteners, which requires certain skills.
As a last resort, if the handle is no longer is necessary, it can be carefully cut off, but this is undesirable for entire equipment.
Packaging and transportation of removed elements
After you managed to remove the handles from the refrigerator, they must be packaged correctly, especially if transportation is planned.
Brittle plastic and thin metal are easily deformed by the weight of other things in the truck.
Put all the screws, plugs and washers into one Ziploc bag and tape it to the inside shelf of the refrigerator or label it with a marker.
Wrap each handle in several layers bubble wrap or soft cloth.
Make sure that during transportation there is no pressure applied to the handles, which could bend them.
The loss of even one small screw can turn a simple installation back into a long problem with finding analogues.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to remove the handles without opening the refrigerator door?
In most cases with hidden fastening, this is possible, since the screws are located at the ends or inside the profile. However, for models with fasteners from the hinge or internal end, the door will have to be opened. Be careful not to drop the tool inside.
What to do if you lose your hex key?
You can try using a screwdriver that fits the size, inserting it into the hole and acting as a lever, but there is a risk of damaging the edges. It is better to buy a set of hexagons at any hardware store - they are inexpensive.
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before removing the handles?
Removing the handles itself does not require defrosting. However, if you remove them for transportation, the refrigerator must be defrosted, washed and dried, otherwise water will flow inside the case when the position is changed.
Will removing the handles damage the warranty on the refrigerator?
As a rule, removing external elements such as handles is not grounds for denial of warranty service unless you damaged the door itself or the mechanisms in process. However, if scratches from tools appear on the body, the warranty case may not be accepted.