Brand refrigerators Minsk are deservedly considered one of the most reliable and durable units in the post-Soviet space. Their simple and time-tested design allows the device to operate for decades, often requiring only minimal maintenance. However, even with such reliable equipment, controls and fittings wear out over time, in particular door handles. Plastic ages, becomes brittle, and mechanical loads during active use can lead to breakage or cracks.
The situation when it is necessary to dismantle the handle can arise not only when it is damaged. Often, owners decide to replace standard plastic elements with more aesthetically pleasing chrome-plated counterparts or hidden profiles to update the appearance of the kitchen. Dismantling is also required for deep cleaning of hard-to-reach places or during transportation, when protruding parts may be damaged. Regardless of the reason, the removal process requires care and understanding of the design of a particular fastening unit.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the stages of dismantling, consider the features of fastening on different models and answer frequently asked questions. Compliance with technology will allow you to avoid damage to the door leaf or the part itself. We will tell you what tools you will need and how to proceed if the screws are stuck or the threads are broken, so that you can do the job efficiently and without extra costs.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work on dismantling the body elements, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the electrical network. This is a basic safety rule that will prevent accidental electric shock or damage to electronics due to careless handling of wiring if it runs near the handle.
Preparation of tools and workplace
Before proceeding with direct dismantling, it is necessary to prepare the appropriate tools. The design of handles on refrigerators Minsk may vary depending on the year of manufacture and the specific series, so there is no universal set “for all occasions,” but a basic set is required. First of all, you will need a high-quality screwdriver with a set of attachments, since the screws can be Phillips (PH2) or flat (SL).
For some models, especially more modern ones that use hidden fasteners, you may need hex wrench. It would also be a good idea to have a flat object with a thin blade on hand, such as a stationery knife or a special puller, to carefully remove decorative plugs. If you plan to install a new part, check the package for all necessary screws and spacers.
☑️ Tools for dismantling
The organization of the workspace also plays an important role. Ensure good lighting of the work area, as fasteners are often hidden in shadow areas or under decorative overlays. Cover the floor in front of the refrigerator with a soft cloth or cardboard so that fallen screws do not get lost and the door does not get scratched when open. Cleanliness and order This will greatly simplify the process and allow you to notice small details that are easy to miss in a hurry.
Determining the type of fastening handles
Refrigerators Minsk were and are produced in various modifications, and the type of fastening of the handles is different. The most common option is mounting with screws, which are hidden under decorative plugs. These plugs are usually located at the top or bottom of the handle, or on the inside facing the door. Their presence can be determined by the characteristic round or oval indentations on the plastic.
Another common type is overhead handles, which are fixed directly through the holes in the door leaf. In this case, the fastening elements can be immediately visible or also hidden under plastic caps, the color of which often matches the color of the case. There are also models where the handle is part of a more complex mechanism or integrated into a decorative panel, which requires a special approach to dismantling.
To accurately determine the type of fastening, carefully inspect the handle from all sides, using a flashlight to illuminate hard-to-reach places. If you don't see obvious mounting holes, the handle may be held in place by latches or hidden under a removable trim piece. In such cases, it is important to act carefully so as not to break the plastic fasteners. Visual inspection is a key step that determines the further strategy of action.
| Model type | Fastener location | Type tool | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic (old) | Bottom or top, under the plug | Phillips screwdriver | Often it is necessary to remove the entire cover |
| Modern (Atlant/Minsk) | On the inside of the handle | Hexagon or cross | Hidden fasteners, access through the end |
| Built-in series | Under decorative panel | Screwdriver set | Requires facade dismantling |
| Retro models | Through fastening | Flat screwdriver | The screws are immediately visible, often chrome-plated |
Removing decorative plugs
If your model assumes the presence of decorative plugs that hide the mounting screws, their removal becomes the first practical step. These elements are made of plastic and can be pressed or simply inserted into the grooves. To remove them, it is best to use a thin flathead screwdriver or a knife blade wrapped in a soft cloth to avoid leaving scratches on the glossy surface.
Gently pry the plug off one edge, being careful not to use excessive force. Plastic, especially on older refrigerators, can be dry and brittle, so a sharp tug can cause it to break. Move the tool around the perimeter of the plug, gradually freeing it from the fixing protrusions. If the plug does not give in, you should not press harder - perhaps it is fixed with an additional stopper or adhesive.
What to do if the plug is glued?
In some cases, manufacturers use a minimal amount of glue to fix decorative elements. If the plug cannot be removed in the usual way, you can try warming it slightly with a hairdryer at minimum temperature for 10-15 seconds. This will soften the glue and plastic, making removal easier. Be careful not to melt the surface of the handle.
After successfully removing the plugs, inspect the exposed holes. There you will find the screw heads that hold the handle in place. Clean the holes from dust and dirt that may have accumulated there over years of use. This will prevent debris from getting inside the mechanism during further disassembly and will facilitate access to the fasteners. Cleanliness of the connections is the key to easy unscrewing of the screws.
The process of unscrewing the fastening screws
When access to the fasteners open, you can start unscrewing the screws. Select a screwdriver or bit of strictly appropriate size so as not to tear off the slots. If the screws have been tightened for a long time, they can “stick” or oxidize, especially in high humidity conditions of the kitchen. In this case, do not immediately try to apply maximum force, as this may lead to breakage of the screw head or damage to the plastic base of the handle.
To facilitate the process, you can use a special penetrating lubricant (for example, WD-40), applying it to the thread and leaving it for a few minutes. After this, try to smoothly, with increasing force, turn the screw counterclockwise. If the screw still does not budge, you can try to slightly heat the area around it, but this must be done very carefully so as not to deform the plastic handle.
Unscrew the screws sequentially, without removing them completely until all are loosened. This will help keep the handle balanced and avoid any misalignment that could make final removal difficult. Place all fasteners in a separate container so they don't get lost. Saving all parts Critical, especially if you plan to reinstall the handle or use old screws for a new part.
⚠️ Attention: When removing screws on refrigerator doors, hold handle with your second hand. After the last turn of thread comes out, the handle may fall, which will damage it or cause chips on the floor.
Removing the handle and cleaning the surface
After all fasteners have been removed, the handle can be carefully removed. Take it with both hands and pull it towards you, rocking it slightly from side to side. If the handle is tight, do not jerk it sharply. It may be fixed on guide pins or remnants of an old seal. Smooth movements will help release the part without jerking.
After dismantling, the door surface that was previously hidden will open. There you will probably find a layer of dust, grease or traces of glue. Clean the area thoroughly using a mild detergent and degreaser. This is necessary so that the new handle or the one installed back will lie flat and tight. High-quality surface preparation will ensure durability of the fastening and a neat appearance.
Also inspect the inside of the handle itself. If you plan to reuse it, wash it with warm water and soap and dry it. Check the integrity of the screw seats. If the plastic is cracked around the holes, this type of handle is not recommended as it will not last long. In this case, it is better to immediately replace it with a new one.
Installing a new handle or installing it back
The process of installing a new handle or returning the old one to its place is carried out in the reverse order. Make sure all holes line up. If you are installing a universal handle, you may need to use the adapters or additional spacers included in the kit. Align the handle mounting holes with the holes on the refrigerator door.
Insert the screws into the holes and begin to tighten them by hand to secure the position of the part. Do not tighten the screws all the way right away. First, tighten all the screws so that the handle fits evenly into place. Then, using a screwdriver, gradually and alternately tighten the fasteners, moving diagonally. This will ensure a uniform fit and no distortions.
After final fixation, check the reliability of the fastening. The handle should not wobble or play. If you notice any gaps, try shimming or loosening and re-tightening the screws. The final stage will be the installation of decorative plugs in their regular places. Make sure that they snap into place with a characteristic click.
Is it possible to drill new holes for a handle of a different model?
Theoretically, this is possible, but it is not recommended without professional skills. The refrigerator door is a complex sandwich of metal and thermal insulation. Drilling new holes can damage the internal circuit, break the seal and lead to corrosion or loss of cold. It is better to choose a handle that fits existing holes, or use special overhead models.
What to do if the screws are rusty and cannot be unscrewed?
Treat the threads with penetrating lubricant and leave for several hours. You can try gently tapping the screw head to break up the rust layer. If this does not help, you will have to drill out the screw head with a drill of the appropriate diameter, and then unscrew the rest with pliers.
Where to find original handles for Minsk refrigerators?
Original spare parts can be found in authorized service centers of the Atlant brand (successor of the Minsk plant), in specialized stores of spare parts for household appliances equipment or on the official websites of suppliers. When ordering, be sure to indicate the exact model of the refrigerator indicated on the nameplate inside the chamber.
Do you need to lubricate the screws before installation?
Yes, it is recommended to lightly lubricate the threads of the screws with graphite grease or even regular soap. This will prevent the metal from sticking in the future and will make the next dismantling easier. However, make sure that the lubricant does not get on the visible plastic parts.
When finishing work, wipe the entire surface of the handle and door again with a soft, dry cloth to remove fingerprints and possible contamination from tools. Plug in the refrigerator and check its operation. A correctly installed handle is not only aesthetics, but also the convenience of daily use of your refrigerator for many years.