The need to remove the handle from the refrigerator door most often occurs when replacing a seal, rearranging doors, or when purchasing a new model that needs to be squeezed into a narrow doorway. This procedure seems simple only at first glance, but modern manufacturers use a lot of hidden fasteners, which are easily damaged if handled ineptly.
Unlike old Soviet units, where all the screws were in plain sight, modern ones fixation mechanisms are often hidden under decorative plugs or require a specific angle of inclination for dismantling. Incorrect force can lead to cracks in the plastic or chips in the metal coating, which will make further operation of the element impossible.
Before starting work, it is important to determine the type of fastening for your particular model, since there is no universal algorithm. In this article, we will look at the main types of structures, the necessary tools and step-by-step instructions for the most popular brands so that you can complete the job safely and efficiently.
Preparation of tools and workplace
High-quality dismantling is impossible without the right tools. Using unsuitable objects, such as kitchen knives or sewing needles, often damages the decorative trims and strips the threads. You will need a set hex keysas these are the ones most often used by manufacturers of household appliances.
Be sure to prepare a soft substrate, for example, a thick towel or a piece of foam rubber, on which you will place the removed parts. Metal and plastic items can be permanently damaged if dropped on a hard floor. A flathead screwdriver with a thin blade is also useful, but it should be used with extreme caution.
To protect the floor covering and make it easier to clean small fasteners, place a light-colored cloth under the refrigerator. It will clearly show fallen screws that otherwise could have rolled under the unit. Be sure to unplug the refrigerator if you plan to remove the entire doors to avoid electric shock or damage to the electronics.
☑️ Removal tools
Determining the type of handle fastening
Before making physical efforts, it is necessary to visually inspect the junction of the handle with body. There are three main types of fastenings: screw, snap and combination. Screw fastening is the most common and reliable, but the screws are often masked.
Latching mechanisms are often found on models with integrated or overhead plastic handles. They are held in place due to the elasticity of the material and special fasteners. An attempt to unscrew such a handle is doomed to failure and will lead to breakage plastic ears.
The combined type involves the presence of screws hidden under decorative elements, which, in turn, can be held on by latches. Carefully examine the end of the handle and the space between it and the door. Sometimes the fasteners are located at the top or bottom, rather than on the inside.
⚠️ Warning: Never use excessive force if the handle does not give way. If you feel resistance, it means that you either did not find the hidden screw, or you are using the wrong dismantling technique.
Removing overhead handles with screw fastening
The most common option is an overhead handle secured with screws on the inside of the door. Access to them often requires opening the refrigerator door. Carefully inspect the inside surface of the door opposite the handle.
If the screws are visible, simply unscrew them with the appropriate key. Manufacturers often use 4mm or 5mm hexagon screws. After unscrewing the fasteners, the handle may not be removed immediately, since it is also fixed due to its tight fit to the door. insulation layer. Gently pull the handle towards you, slightly rocking it from side to side. Do not pull sharply so as not to damage the fastening points. If the handle fits very tightly, you can try warming it up slightly with a hairdryer, but only if it is plastic and you are sure of the temperature so as not to melt the coating. doors.
Gently pull the handle towards you, rocking it slightly from side to side. Do not pull sharply so as not to damage the fastening points. If the handle fits very tightly, you can try warming it up slightly with a hairdryer, but only if it is plastic and you are sure of the temperature so as not to melt the coating.
What to do if the screws are rusty?
If the screws do not come off due to corrosion, drop a little penetrating lubricant (for example, WD-40) on them and leave it on 10-15 minutes. After that, try again. Do not use force so as not to tear off the screw head.
Removing handles with hidden fastenings
Many modern models, such as Liebherr or Bosch, are equipped with handles whose fasteners are completely hidden. In such cases, the screws are located under decorative plugs. These plugs can be located at the ends of the handle or on its inner surface.
To remove the plugs, use a thin flat screwdriver or even a utility knife. Lift the edge of the plug and carefully remove it. Underneath you will find a screw head. In some models, the plugs are made in the form of the brand logo, which makes them almost invisible.
After unscrewing all the screws, the handle should be easily removed. If this does not happen, check to see if there is another hidden screw. Sometimes manufacturers hide one of the screws under a rubber gasket or a removable panel at the end of the door.
Features of removing handles on different brands
Each manufacturer of household appliances has its own design features. Understanding these nuances will help you avoid mistakes. Below is a table with the characteristics of fasteners for popular brands.
| Brand | Mounting type | Screw location | Tool |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indesit | Screw | On the inside | 4 mm hexagon |
| LG | Hidden/Screw | Under the plugs at the ends | 5 mm hexagon |
| Samsung | Combined | Bottom and inside | Phillips screwdriver |
| Beko | Screw | Inside | Hex 4 mm |
For example, in refrigerators Indesit i Ariston the fasteners are most often located on the inside of the door, which simplifies access. Models LG and Samsung often have hidden screws at the ends of the handles. For some models Electrolux the handle may be part of the door profile, and its removal requires dismantling the entire outer door panel.
It is important to consider that depending on the year of manufacture of the same model, the design may vary. Therefore, always rely on a visual inspection of a specific piece of equipment. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to find the technical data sheet of the model on the Internet by its serial number.
Working with integrated and profile handles
Integrated handles are a recess in the door body or aluminum profile mounted in the door. They are more difficult to remove as they are often part of the door structure. To dismantle such elements, it may be necessary to remove the entire outer panel.
Profile handles are attached around the perimeter or at several points along the length. The screws may be hidden under a trim strip that is removed by moving up or down. Be careful with plastic latches, they are very fragile in the cold or during long-term use.
If the handle is made in the form of a groove in the plastic of the door, then it is impossible to remove this element separately - it is part of the door leaf. In such cases, we can only talk about replacing the entire door or cosmetic repairs of chips.
⚠️ Attention: When working with integrated handles, there is a high risk of damaging the outer layer of the door. Use plastic mounting spatulas to avoid leaving scratches on the glossy surface.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
One of the most common mistakes is the loss of fasteners. Small screws are easily lost in the carpet pile or rolled under furniture. To avoid this, use a magnetic tray or tape the screws to the cardboard immediately after unscrewing.
Another mistake is using a larger tool than required. This leads to the edges of the screws licking off, after which it becomes almost impossible to unscrew them without drilling. Always select a key that fits tightly.
Also, users often forget about the weight of the door. If you remove the handle in order to hang the door, remember that without a handle the door will be awkward to hold. Ask an assistant to support the door while you work with the fasteners.
What to do if the plastic plug breaks?
If the decorative plug breaks during removal, do not despair. You can replace it with a universal plug of a suitable color from a hardware store or seal the hole with a piece of plastic in color, choosing a shade.
Questions and answers (FAQ)
Is it possible to remove the handle without unplugging the refrigerator from the mains?
Yes, if you remove only the handle and not touch the electrical components of the door (for example, the display or lamp), it is not necessary to turn off the refrigerator. However, if you plan to remove the door entirely, disconnecting it is necessary.
What to do if the screw has turned and cannot be unscrewed?
If the screw turns, it means that the thread in the door body or on the screw itself has been broken. Try to pry the handle with a screwdriver, creating tension, and at this moment unscrew the screw. If this does not help, you will have to drill out the screw head.
Do you need to lubricate the fastening points before reinstallation?
It is not recommended to lubricate the threads of the screws, as this can lead to their spontaneous unscrewing from vibration. However, you can lightly lubricate the contact points between the plastic and the metal with silicone grease to avoid squeaks in the future.
Where can you find screws if they are not visible anywhere?
Carefully inspect the ends of the handle, the top and bottom edges. Sometimes the screws are covered with stickers or rubber shock absorbers that need to be carefully peeled off or removed.
Is it possible to use glue to fix the handle?
Using glue to fix the handle to the body is strictly not recommended. This will make future repairs or replacement of the seal impossible. The handle should only be held on by mechanical fasteners.