The need to dismantle the door handle refrigerator LG most often occurs when planning a kitchen space or for more convenient transportation of equipment through narrow doorways. Owners are often faced with a situation where protruding elements prevent the unit from fitting tightly to the wall or prevent it from turning around in the corridor. The correct approach to this task allows you to avoid damage to the paintwork and plastic elements.
The design of modern models LG can vary significantly depending on the series and year of manufacture. Somewhere the fasteners are in plain sight, while in other cases they are carefully hidden with decorative plugs. Before starting any work, it is important to understand that you are dealing with fragile plastic or metal, which can crack if handled carelessly. Careful inspection before dismantling is the first rule of successful repair.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the nuances of the process, consider the tools that will be required in the work, and point out typical mistakes made by inexperienced users. Following the sequence of actions guarantees the safety of the appearance of your equipment. Even if you have never disassembled household appliances before, strictly following the algorithm will allow you to complete the task efficiently.
Preparation of the workplace and the necessary tools
Before starting physical impact on the elements of the refrigerator, you need to prepare the appropriate tools. Most models LG do not require sophisticated equipment, but using unsuitable items may result in stripped threads or scratches. You will need a medium-sized Phillips screwdriver, a flathead screwdriver with a thin blade, and possibly a hex wrench.
Particular attention should be paid to lighting and free space around the unit. If the refrigerator is located close to the wall, it will have to be moved to provide access to the sides and ends of the doors. Safety is priority number one, so make sure that the floor under your feet is not slippery and the power cord does not interfere with movement.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting work, be sure to Unplug the refrigerator from the power supply. This will not only protect you from electric shock, but will also prevent accidental activation of the compressor or backlight lamps during dismantling.
It is also recommended to prepare a soft cloth or towel to cover the floor in the work area. If you drop a screw or tool, the fabric will soften the fall and prevent damage to the floor covering or the fastener itself. Magnetic cup or a small container will help you avoid losing small parts during work.
☑️ Preparation for dismantling
Determining the type of fastening on your models
The method of fixing handles on refrigerators LG varies depending on the design and functionality of the specific model. In some cases these are classic screws hidden under plugs, in others there is a complex hidden installation system where the fasteners are located on the inside of the door. Understanding the type of fastening determines the entire strategy for further actions.
The most common option is hidden screw fasteners. In this case, you can see small plastic plugs at the ends of the handle or on its inside. They can be round, oval or shaped like a brand logo. Their main function is aesthetic, they hide the screw heads from prying eyes.
There are also models where the handle is part of the integrated system opening, especially in refrigerators with technology Door-in-Door. Here, dismantling may require the removal of additional panels or decorative trims. It is important not to apply excessive force if the element does not budge, as this may indicate the presence of additional fasteners.
Step-by-step instructions: dismantling the handle with hidden fasteners
If on your model LG fasteners are hidden by decorative overlays, The algorithm of actions should be as accurate as possible. First, carefully inspect the handle from all sides, including the bottom and top ends, as well as the inner surface facing the body of the refrigerator.
Once you find the plugs, use a thin flat blade screwdriver or a special plastic opening tool to carefully pry them off. Metal screwdriver should be used with extreme caution so as not to leave marks on the glossy surface. After removing the plugs, access to the screws will open.
Unscrew the screws counterclockwise. There are usually two or four, depending on the length of the handle. If the screws are painted or varnished, you may need to scratch the finish with the tip of a screwdriver to help the tool fit into the slot better. Once all the screws have been removed, the handle can be removed by pulling it towards you or slightly moving it up/down.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use force if the handle does not come off after removing the screws. Perhaps it is held on by an adhesive base or has additional guides that need to be released.
In some cases, there may be gasket or a seal under the handle. When removing a part, try not to damage this element, as it protects the housing from moisture and dust. Keep all removed plugs and screws in a safe place so as not to lose them during reassembly.
Removing handles with internal fastening and without visible screws
In a number of refrigerator models LG, especially built-in or premium series, the mounting holes can be located on the inside of the door leaf. Access to them often requires opening the refrigerator door. In this case, the screws can be located in special recesses at the end of the door, closed with plastic plugs.
The removal process in this case looks different: first, the plugs are removed from the end of the door, then the screws holding the handle are unscrewed. Sometimes, to access the fasteners, it is necessary to remove the upper or lower decorative panel of the door. This requires extra care, as the plastic panels are secured with latches.
If there are no visible screws anywhere, your model may use a system hidden installationwhere the handle is secured with powerful latches or adhesive. In such situations, manufacturers often recommend contacting service centers, since independent dismantling can lead to destruction of the structure.
When working with internal elements, it is important to control the position of the door. A removed handle can change the balancing or cause the door to slam against the body if you do not hold it with a second hand. Position stability the unit at this moment is critically important.
| Model type LG | Location fasteners | Required tool | Complexity |
|---|---|---|---|
| GA / GB series | Hidden under the plugs on the handle | Philipps screwdriver | Low |
| GC / GW Series | On the inside of the door | Hex / Screwdriver | Medium |
| Instaview / Door-in-Door | Combined / Hidden | Screwdriver set | High |
| Built-in models | Specific hidden | Special. keys | High |
Typical errors and risks when withdrawing yourself
The most common mistake is the use of excessive physical force. Users often assume that if an element does not come off, it means they need to pull harder. However, the plastic used in LGcan be brittle, especially at low temperatures, and simply burst under load. Patience and searching for hidden fasteners is more effective than brute force.
The second common mistake is using the wrong tool. Using knives, chisels or too wide screwdrivers to pry up the plugs is guaranteed to leave marks on the case. Scratches on a glossy surface are almost impossible to eliminate without professional polishing or replacing the part.
It is also worth mentioning the risk of losing small fasteners. The screws may slip through your fingers and fall behind the refrigerator or into the vents A lost original screw is difficult to replaceas the threads and pitch may be unique to a particular model. Using a magnetic tray or container with sections minimizes this risk.
What to do if the plastic plug breaks?
If you damage the decorative plug when removing it, don’t despair. You can carefully seal it from the inside or order a new one from the service center. As a last resort, the hole can be masked with furniture wax of a suitable color.
Care of fastening points and reinstallation
After removing the handle, it is recommended to inspect the exposed areas of the body. Dust, grease or moisture can accumulate there, which over time leads to metal corrosion or an unpleasant odor. Wipe these areas with a soft, damp cloth using a neutral detergent. If you plan to reinstall the handle (for example, after moving the refrigerator), make sure all threaded connections are clean. If necessary, you can apply a minimal amount of lubricant to the threads of the screws to make them easier to remove in the future. However, avoid getting lubricant on the plastic elements. neutral detergent.
If you plan to reinstall the handle (for example, after moving the refrigerator), make sure that all threaded connections are clean. If necessary, you can apply a minimal amount of lubricant to the threads of the screws to make them easier to remove in the future. However, avoid getting lubricant on plastic parts.
Installation is performed in the reverse order: first the handle is put in place, then the screws are tightened, and only after that the decorative plugs are installed. It is important not to overtighten the screws, as this can lead to deformation of the plastic or make future dismantling difficult. Moderate force is the key to the durability of the fasteners.
⚠️ Attention: Technical characteristics and design of refrigerators may change in different modifications. If you see that the design of your model differs significantly from the one described, check the official manufacturer's instructions for your specific serial number.
Is it possible to remove the handle without turning off the refrigerator?
Technically, you can remove the handle while the refrigerator is running, but this is not recommended. Vibration from the compressor can interfere with precise operation, and the risk of accidentally touching wires or breaking seals due to careless movement increases. It is safer to turn off the device.
What to do if the screw is rusty and cannot be unscrewed?
Use a special penetrating lubricant (for example, WD-40). Apply it to the thread and wait 10-15 minutes. After this, try to carefully remove the screw. Do not use excessive force immediately so as not to tear off the splines.
The plug is lost, where can I get a new one?
Original plugs can be ordered at authorized service centers LG by part code. They can also often be found in spare parts stores for household appliances, selected by diameter and color. A temporary solution can be a furniture plug of a suitable size.
Does removing the handle affect the warranty?
Removing the handles yourself, as a rule, does not void the warranty on the refrigerator if other components or the body itself were not damaged in the process. However, if you break fasteners or damage the door, there will be a charge for repairing this damage.
Do you need to lubricate the hinges after removing the handle?
The handle and door hinges are different mechanisms. Removing the handle does not require any hinge maintenance. However, if you carry out preventive maintenance, you can check the condition of the door hinges and, if necessary, lubricate them with special silicone grease.