The need to dismantle refrigerator handle may arise for various reasons, and most often this is not a planned procedure, but a reaction to breakdown or wear of an element. Owners of household appliances Position face this problem when the plastic grip is cracked, loses its aesthetic appearance, or no longer fits securely on the door. Sometimes access to the internal door mechanism is required to adjust the hinges or replace the seal, which also involves removing the fittings.
The removal process depends on the specific refrigerator models and type of fastening that the manufacturer used. In the rulers Pozis there are both classic screw connections and more complex hidden mechanisms that require careful handling. Incorrect actions can lead to damage to the door leaf or the part itself, so it is important to study the design features of your unit in advance.
In this article we will look in detail at how to safely remove the handle from the refrigerator Posis various modifications. You will learn about the necessary tools, the nuances of dismantling different types of fasteners and typical mistakes that should be avoided. A competent approach will allow you to complete the job efficiently and without extra costs for calling a specialist.
Preparation of the workplace and selection of tools
Before starting any work with household appliances, it is necessary to ensure safe working conditions. Disconnect the refrigerator from the electrical network by removing plug from the socket. This is a basic electrical safety rule that cannot be ignored, even if you plan to work only on the mechanical elements of the door. De-energizing will eliminate the risk of accidentally turning on the compressor or a short circuit due to careless handling of the wires if they suddenly become affected.
To dismantle the handle, you will need a minimum set of tools that any home craftsman can find in the house. The main tool will be Phillips screwdriver, the size of the slot of which must exactly match the head of the fastening screws. Using a screwdriver that is too small or large may cause the edges of the bolts to lick off, which will significantly complicate the disassembly process.
⚠️ Attention: If the screws are covered with decorative caps, prepare a thin knife blade or awl to carefully pry them off. Do not use excessive force to avoid scratching the surface of the door.
Additionally, you may need a flat-head screwdriver to remove decorative trims and pliers if you have to remove stuck elements. To protect the door surface from scratches during operation, it is recommended to lay a soft cloth on the floor or use cardboard. It would also be a good idea to have on hand isopropyl alcohol or a degreaser to clean the fastening points before installing new parts.
☑️ Tools for dismantling
Determination of fastening type handles
Refrigerators Posis are equipped with different types of handles, and the method of their dismantling directly depends on the design. There are two main types of fastening: open, where the screws are visible to the naked eye, and hidden, where the fasteners are hidden under decorative elements or are located inside the handle body.
Inspect carefully refrigerator fittings. If you see holes for screws, often closed with plastic plugs, then you have a classic mounting option. In this case, it is enough to remove the plugs and unscrew the bolts. However, in modern models Pozis there is often a hidden installation, where the handle is attached from the inside of the door or is held on by latches.
- 🔍 Open fastening: the screws are located on the front, often covered with decorative stickers or plugs in the color of the handle.
- 🔒 Hidden fastening: there are no visible holes, the handle is fixed with bolts from the inside of the door or on latches.
- 🧩 Combined option: some of the fastenings are hidden, some are visible, which requires step-by-step dismantling.
Determining the type of fastening is a critical step. Trying to remove a handle with a hidden fastening by force, thinking that it is held on by glue or friction, is guaranteed to lead to breakage of the plastic. If there are no external screws, look for access to the inner surface of the door.
How to distinguish an original handle from an analogue?
Original Pozis handles have clear markings and precise casting geometry. Analog parts may have backlash or differ in the shade of plastic, which complicates the selection of fasteners.
Removing handles with an open type of fastening
This is the most common and simple option, typical for many models Pozis, such as series RD i Sviyaga. The process begins by removing the decorative elements that hide the screw heads. Carefully pry up the plastic plugs with a thin object and set them aside so as not to lose them.
Using the selected one Phillips screwdriver, unscrew the screws securing the handle. Proceed with caution: if the screw is rusty or stuck, do not use sharp jerks to avoid stripping the thread. You can first drop a little penetrating lubricant if the surface material allows, but in the case of refrigerators this is rarely done due to contact with food.
| Model Pozis | Screw type | Quantity fastenings | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| RD 149 | Cross screw | 2 pcs. | Front access |
| Sviyaga 3 pcs. | Cross screw | 2 pcs. | Hidden stubs |
| World 244 | Slotted screw | 3 pcs. | Reinforced fastening |
| Firenza | Special. bolt | 2 pcs. | A key is required |
After unscrewing all the screws refrigerator handle should be easily removed. If it's tight, don't yank it too hard. The plastic could become deformed or frozen over time. A slight rocking from side to side will help loosen the part. Make sure that there are no wires laid under the handle if your model has backlighting or indication.
Removing handles with hidden fastening
In cases where there are no holes on the outer surface handles fasteners are located on the inside of the door. To access them you need to open the refrigerator door. On the inner panel, opposite the base of the handle, you will find technological holes closed with plastic plugs or screws.
Remove the plugs from the inside of the door. Below them will be the heads of the screws that pass through the body of the door and enter the handle on the back side. You will need an assistant to hold handle on the outsidewhile you remove the screws from the inside. This will prevent the part from falling and possible damage to the facade.
⚠️ Attention: When unscrewing the internal screws, firmly hold the handle on the outside. If it falls, the shelf on the door may break or the floor covering may be damaged.
Some models Position use a latch system. In this case, after removing the internal stops, the handle must be carefully pressed out with a flat screwdriver at certain points. Act without fanaticism: plastic becomes brittle at low temperatures, and one wrong movement can lead to a crack.
Features of dismantling in different Pozis series
Various lines of refrigerators Pozis have their own design features. For example, in the series Firenza handles are often made in the form of a solid frame covering the top of the door. To remove them, it may be necessary to dismantle the top decorative panel.
Models of the Mir i Biryusa series (produced at the same capacities) often use standard screw connections, but the screws can be painted in the color of the body, which makes them less noticeable. Carefully inspect the ends of the handle in good lighting.
- 🏠 Sviyaga series: classic fastening with two screws, often require replacing the seal when removing.
- ❄️ Deep Frost series: hidden fastening, access through the inner door panel.
- 🛡️ Anti-series: reinforced handles, may have additional fixing pins.
If you are the owner of a medical or laboratory series Position, the procedure may differ in the presence of seals or special locking mechanisms. In such cases independent dismantling it is not recommended, since the seal of the chamber may be broken or the calibration of temperature sensors may be lost.
Typical errors and precautions
One of the most common mistakes is the use of excessive force. Plastic elements Refrigerators are not designed for shock loads. If the handle does not come off after removing all the screws, then you are missing some kind of locking element or latch.
Using inappropriate tools, such as a knife instead of a screwdriver, often leads to damage to the screw slots. It is extremely difficult to restore a broken bolt head, and you will have to drill out the fasteners, which requires professional skills and tools.
⚠️ Attention: Never use metal objects to pry the handle between it and the door if there are no special grooves there. You are guaranteed to leave a dent on the case or a chip on the enamel.
Another common mistake is the loss of small parts. Screws, plugs and washers are very small and easily get lost in carpet pile or roll under the refrigerator. Prepare a container in advance for storing all removed elements.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to remove the handle without opening the refrigerator door?
In most models with an open type of fastening - yes, the screws are accessible from the outside. If the fastening is hidden, then access to the screws is on the inner end of the door, so it will have to be opened. In some cases, it is necessary to completely dismantle the door from its hinges.
What to do if the fastening eye on the handle itself is broken?
If the plastic is cracked at the place where the screw is attached, repair is usually impractical. You can try drilling a through hole and using a bolt and nut, but this will spoil the appearance. The best solution is to order a new original handle for your model Pozis.
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before removing the handle?
There is no need to specially defrost the unit just to remove the handle. However, if you are planning long-term work or replacing the seal, defrosting will be useful. The main thing is not to leave the door open for a long time in a hot room, so as not to damage the compressor.
Where to find original spare parts for Pozis handles?
Original spare parts can be purchased at the brand's authorized service centers Posis or in large online stores of household appliances, indicating the exact model of your refrigerator (located on a sticker inside the chamber).
How to install a new handle if the holes do not match?
Original spare parts must have the exact geometry. If the holes do not match, you may have been sold a different model of handle. As a last resort, you can carefully drill new holes in the door, but this will compromise the integrity of the body and can lead to corrosion.