The need to dismantle door handles arises among refrigerator owners Pozis quite often, especially when moving or transporting bulky household appliances through narrow doorways. Modern models of this brand, such as series World, Atlant (assembled at the plant) and classic Rowan, have different fastening systems that require an individual approach. Incorrect force can lead to breakage of plastic fasteners, so it is important to act consistently and carefully.
In this article we will look in detail at all known methods of removing fittings, from simple screws to hidden latches typical for Soviet and post-Soviet models. You will learn what tools you will need for the job, how not to damage the door enamel, and what to do if the screw is stuck. We will also touch on the topic of replacing broken elements and installing new fittings if the old one has become unusable.
Before taking active steps, it is necessary to prepare the workplace. Provide good lighting and easy access to the refrigerator doors from all sides. Remember that safety is a priority: although electricity is not used here, the risk of dropping a heavy door or scratching the floor remains high.
Preparation of tools and workspace
To successfully perform dismantling, you will need a minimum set of tools that can be found in every home. The main tool will be Phillips screwdriver (PH2), since most fastenings in technology Pozis are made specifically for this slot. In some cases, you may need a flat-head screwdriver to carefully pry up the decorative plugs.
If you plan to not only remove, but also replace the handles with new ones, prepare a container for storing screws and small parts. The loss of even one fastener can stop the entire process of installing new hardware. It would also be a good idea to prepare a soft rag or towel to place under the door in case partial support of the structure is required.
It is important to consider the age of your refrigerator. Models released more than 15-20 years ago often have fasteners that may have become stuck or rusted. In such cases, a standard screwdriver may not be able to do the job and will require the use of a penetrating lubricant such as WD-40. However, it should be applied with caution so as not to damage plastic elements and rubber seals.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any dismantling work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. Although removing the handles does not require electricity, you will be actively moving the door, which can lead to accidental activation of the compressor or damage to the backlight wires (if there is one in the handle).
☑️ Preparation for dismantling
Determining the type of fastening on your model
Refrigerators Pozis over decades of production equipped with different types of handles. Conventionally, they can be divided into three main categories according to the type of fixation. Understanding what type your model is will save you time and stress. The first group is the classic overhead handles, fastened with visible screws.
The second group is models with hidden fastening. Here the screws can be hidden under decorative plugs or located on the inside of the door. The third, most complex option, is typical for some Soviet models, where the handle is part of the lock or has a specific latching system that requires disassembling the internal mechanism.
You can determine the type of fastening visually by carefully examining the ends and inner surface of the handle. If there are no visible holes, try gently (without fanaticism) rocking the handle. If it loosens, but does not come off, most likely the problem is hidden latches. For accurate identification, it is best to know the model of your unit indicated on technical data sheet or the nameplate inside the chamber.
| Handle type | Fastener location | Required tool | Complexity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lock-on classic | Front or side, visible | Phillips screwdriver | Low |
| Hidden (screws) | Under the plugs or inside | Screwdriver, knife | Medium |
| Integrated | End fastening, lock | Set screwdrivers, keys | High |
| Mortise (rarely) | In the body of the door | Special. tool | High |
Removing classic overhead handles
The most common option found on models Pozis-1, Pozis-2 and many others is an overhead plastic handle. It is usually secured with two or three screws. Most often, the holes for fasteners are located on the end part of the handle itself, facing the doorway, or from below/top.
The removal process begins with unscrewing all visible screws. Use an appropriately sized screwdriver to avoid licking off the caps. If the screws are tight, don't use too much force right away—try pushing the handle inward to turn the soured metal, or drop a little oil. After unscrewing the fasteners, the handle should easily move away from the door body.
Sometimes there may be a gasket or seal between the handle and the metal door. When removing, make sure that it does not tear and remain hanging on the door. If the handle fits tightly, you can carefully help yourself with a flat screwdriver by prying up its edge, but be sure to lay a cloth so as not to scratch paint coating the refrigerator.
What to do if the screw heads are licked off?
If The screw heads are damaged and the screwdriver is spinning, try using a rubber layer between the tool and the screw for better grip. As a last resort, the screw can be carefully drilled out, but this requires pinpoint precision so as not to damage the plastic of the handle.
Removing handles with hidden fastenings
More modern or aesthetic models Pozis are often equipped with handles where the fasteners are completely hidden from view. In this case, the screws may be on the inside of the door, that is, on the side of the refrigerator compartment. Open the door and carefully inspect the base of the handle.
You may find plastic plugs (pins) that cover the screw heads. They need to be carefully removed with the tip of a thin flat screwdriver or even a needle. Be careful as plastic becomes brittle over time and may break. Under the plugs you will find standard screws that need to be unscrewed.
In some cases, fastening is carried out through metal pinpassing through the door. Then a nut or screw will be visible from the inside of the door, and the handle itself is held in place by the mating part. It is important here to hold the handle from the outside when unscrewing it so that it does not fall and hit the floor.
⚠️ Attention: When working with internal fasteners, be extremely careful not to damage the door sealing rubber. A cut or deformation of the seal will lead to a violation of the seal of the chamber and increased energy consumption.
Features of removing handles with a lock
Refrigerators Pozis with a locking device, often found in older models or specialized equipment, deserve special attention. Here the handle is structurally connected to the lock cylinder. Simply unscrewing the screws may not work unless the mechanism is unlocked.
To dismantle such a structure, a key is often required. By inserting the key and turning it to a certain position (usually open), you release the locking tab. Only after this it becomes possible to access the fastening elements or remove the handle by moving it up/to the side. In some models, the lock is attached with a separate block inside the door.
If the key is lost, the task becomes more complicated. You will have to carefully disassemble the inside of the lock to get to the latches. This requires good knowledge of the mechanism and accuracy. In such situations, it is often recommended to contact specialists in order not to permanently damage the locking mechanism finally.
Problems during dismantling and their solutions
During the process, you may encounter unforeseen difficulties. The most common problem is rust on fasteners, especially if the refrigerator has been standing in a damp room or garage for a long time. The screw may not yield to the efforts of a screwdriver.
In such a situation, you should not use brute force, as the plastic of the handle Pozis may crack. Use a penetrating lubricant, apply it to the threads and wait 10-15 minutes. If this does not help, you can try heating the metal part with a hairdryer (be careful with plastic!) to expand the metal and destroy the rust.
Another problem is the breakage of the plastic fastening ears during removal. If the handle is old and the plastic is “hardened”, it becomes brittle (fragile). In this case, before removing, it is recommended to slightly warm the plastic with a hairdryer at a low temperature or treat it with a special spray to restore elasticity, although this is rarely done for dismantling.
- 🔧 Use WD-40 or an equivalent to soak rusty connections before unscrewing.
- 🌡️ Do not overheat the plastic with a hairdryer so as not to deform the shape of the handle.
- 🛠️ If the thread is broken, try drilling out the rest of the screw with a thin drill.
Installation of new handles and final assembly
After successful dismantling, the question of installing new handles or returning old ones to their place after transportation often arises. When installing new fittings, make sure that they are compatible with your model Pozis. The holes may not match, and then you will need to carefully drill new holes in the door.
When drilling, be sure to use masking tape in place of the future hole so that the drill does not slip and scratch the enamel. Drill at low speeds, without strong pressure. After installing the new handle, check the tightness of the fit and the absence of play.
The final step is to check the operation of the door. It should close tightly, without distortion. If, after installing the handle, the door begins to close more poorly, you may have overtightened the screws or incorrectly adjusted the position of the fittings. Loosen the fasteners and adjust the position.
Is it possible to remove the handle without a screwdriver?
In most cases, it is impossible to remove the refrigerator handle Pozis without tools, since screw connections are used. The exception is some models with a Click-Clack system or latches, but even there (usually) a thin object is required to release the latch. Trying to tear off the handle with your bare hands will lead to damage.
Where can you find original handles for an old Pozis refrigerator?
Original spare parts for discontinued models can be found in specialized stores of spare parts for household appliances, at auto repair shops or on-sites (Avito, Yula). There are also universal handles that can be adapted to your refrigerator with minimal modification.
What to do if, after removing the handle, the door does not close tightly?
If the handle is involved in pressing the door (rarely, but it happens in older models), its absence may break the tightness. In other cases, the problem may be that the door moves during dismantling. Check the hinges and adjust them if necessary. Also make sure that the seal is not damaged.
How to paint a removed handle?
To paint plastic handles, use special aerosol paints for plastic (for example, marked “for plastic” or “for bumpers”). The surface must be degreased, primed with a special primer for plastic and then paint in several thin layers.