Modern kitchen dictates its own rules of ergonomics, and it often happens that the standard arrangement of refrigeration doors is no longer convenient. This is especially true for owners of large equipment, such as a two-chamber Atlant refrigerator, which takes up significant space. If you are planning a rearrangement or simply want to optimize your approach to products, changing the opening side of the doors will be the ideal solution.
Many users mistakenly believe that this operation requires calling a specialist, however, the design of most models Atlant initially provides for the possibility of reverse. The process is technically simple, but requires care, accuracy and a minimum set of tools. A correctly performed procedure will not only improve the appearance of the kitchen, but will also extend the service life of the seals.
It is important to understand that before starting any manipulations, it is necessary to completely empty the chambers of food and disconnect the device from the power supply. This is a basic safety rule and, if ignored, may result in compressor damage or electrical shock. Next, we will analyze in detail each stage of the transformation of your unit.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
Before proceeding with dismantling, you should prepare the workspace. You will need a free area next to the refrigerator where you can lay out the removed parts. To work with fasteners of two-chamber models Atlant you will need a standard home craftsman's kit.
The main tool will be wrench or a 10 mm socket, since this is the size most often used for hinge bolts. You also cannot do without a Phillips screwdriver for removing decorative plugs and handles. In some cases, you may need a flathead screwdriver or knife to carefully pry up the plastic covers.
- 🔧 Set of wrenches or ratchet with 10 mm head
- 🪛 Phillips and flathead screwdrivers
- 📏 Level (construction) for checking distortions
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp edges
Particular attention should be paid to the stability of the refrigerator itself. Before removing the doors, make sure that the unit is level and does not wobble. If the legs are adjustable, it is better to unscrew them so that the equipment stands as stable as possible, but at the same time has a slight tilt back for ease of operation.
☑️ Preparation for work
Removing the upper decorative casing and hinge
The process begins from the top of the refrigerator compartment. At the top of the unit there is a decorative casing that hides the upper hinge and the control mechanism (if it is located at the front). To remove it, you need to unscrew the mounting bolts, which are usually located at the back or front under the plastic plugs.
Carefully remove the cover, being careful not to damage the latches. Below this you will see the top hinge that holds the freezer or refrigerator door (depending on the layout). Before unscrewing the bolts, you need to fix the hinge or ask an assistant to hold the door so that it does not fall.
⚠️ Attention: The upper hinge is often the load-bearing hinge for the entire door structure. Do not unscrew the fasteners completely until the door is fixed in a vertical position or removed from the bottom pin.
After removing the bolts, remove the hinge itself. If a pin for rotation is installed on it, it must be moved to the opposite side, if the design provides for this, or use a spare pin from the kit. Models Atlant often use symmetrical holes, which greatly simplifies the task.
What to do if the bolts are rusty?
If the mounting bolts do not unscrew, do not use excessive force so as not to strip the threads. Treat them with a penetrating lubricant (such as WD-40) and wait 10-15 minutes. After that, try again to carefully pry them off with the key. As a last resort, you can slightly warm up the bolt, but be careful with plastic elements nearby.
Dismantling and turning over doors
The most critical stage is removing the door panels. Once the top hinge is released, the door must be lifted to disengage it from the bottom support or intermediate hinge. You need to do this together, as the canvases are heavy and bulky.
Place the removed doors on a soft surface (for example, a blanket or cardboard) face up. Now we need to do by rearranging the handles. On most models Atlant the handles are symmetrical or have hidden holes on the other side. You need to unscrew the fastener from one side and screw it into the provided holes from the opposite end.
If on your model the handles are not symmetrical and do not have holes for reversing, you may need to replace the element itself with a reversible one, which is purchased separately. However, in 90% of cases, the factory equipment allows you to perform this operation without purchasing additional parts.
After rearranging the handles, the doors can be temporarily set aside. Now get to lower support sleeve. It must be unscrewed from one side of the housing and screwed into a symmetrical hole on the other. This often requires a key, but some models allow you to do this manually.
- 🚪 Remove the door by lifting it up
- 🔄 Move the handles to the opposite end
- 🔩 Move the lower support bushing to the other side
- 🧹 Clean the freed holes from dust
Relocating the magnetic latch and seal
A critically important point that is often forgotten is the magnetic latch (clamp) located on the refrigerator body. It prevents the door from opening spontaneously. If you simply turn the door over, but do not move the mating part of the lock, the door will constantly open.
Locate the plastic plug on the opposite side of the body. There is a threaded hole underneath. Unscrew the current retainer and screw it into the new location. In some models Atlant does not use a screw retainer, but a magnet built into the end of the door, then there is no need to rearrange anything on the body.
It is also worth checking the condition rubber seal. During long-term use, it could become deformed under the old opening side. If you notice creases or loss of elasticity, now is the best time to replace it or treat it with a softening compound.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use aggressive chemicals to clean the seal. Alcohol or acetone can dry out the rubber, which will lead to loss of seal and increased electricity bills.
The table below will help you navigate the types of fasteners found in different series of refrigerators:
| Element type | Location (Standard) | Flip action | Tool |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top loop | Top right | Move to left | Key 10 mm |
| Lower bushing | Bottom right | Move to left | Key 10 mm |
| Magnet-retainer | Side of the case | Move to the other side | Screwdriver |
| Casing decor | Top panel | Remove and install | Screwdriver |
Installation of doors on the new side
After preparing all the elements, you can begin installation. Install the lower support bushing in its new location and tighten it securely. Then carefully place the bottom door (freezer in bottom-mounted models or the main one in classics) onto the bushing pin.
Align the door vertically. Now you need to install the intermediate or top hinge (depending on the design of your model). Insert the mounting bolts, but do not tighten them all the way immediately. Leave a small gap to be able to adjust the position of the canvas.
Put on the top door if you have a two-chamber refrigerator with a common wall or a separate design. Align the hinge holes and tighten the bolts. At this stage, it is important that the doors do not hang loose, but are not tightly clamped either.
The final touch in this section is the installation of a decorative casing. Make sure that all wires (if there is a backlight or display on the door) are laid in the channels intended for them and will not be pinched when closing.
Adjusting gaps and checking tightness
The final stage is fine tuning. Use a building level and place it on the end of the open door. The canvas must be strictly vertical. If there are deviations, adjust the height of the front leg of the refrigerator or tighten the hinge bolts (if the design allows).
Check the tightness of the seal around the entire perimeter. The door should close with a characteristic bang, but without excessive force. If you notice that the door is moving away in some place, try to slightly loosen the opposite hinge fasteners and tighten the problem side.
To check the tightness, you can use a simple test with a sheet of paper. Clamp the sheet with the refrigerator door so that half hangs out. Pull the sheet: it should come out with noticeable resistance. If the paper falls out freely or tears too easily, the adjustment must be repeated.
- 📐 Check the vertical level
- 👀 Visually assess the gaps around the perimeter
- 📄 Carry out a test with a sheet of paper
- ❄️ Let the refrigerator work for 2-3 hours before loading
After all manipulations, turn on the refrigerator. Let it idle for at least a couple of hours to get up to temperature before loading the food. This will help the compressor reach operating mode without unnecessary load.
Is it possible to hang the door if there is a control display on it?
Yes, this is possible, but it requires more caution. On models Atlant with a display on the door, the wiring cable usually has sufficient length or connectors to allow the hinge to be moved. However, you must be extremely careful when disconnecting and reconnecting cables so as not to damage the contacts. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to contact a specialist.
What to do if, after rehanging, the door does not close completely?
Most likely, the angle of the body is broken. Refrigerator doors are designed to close under the influence of gravity when the cabinet is tilted back slightly. Check the adjustable feet: the front ones should be turned out a little more than the rear ones. Also check if anything in the chamber (shelf, packaging) is preventing it from closing tightly.
Is it necessary to change the seal when rehanging?
There is no need to forcefully change it if it is intact and elastic. However, if the seal “remembers” the shape of the old opening side and has strong creases, replacing it will improve the tightness. In the process of turning the doors over, the rubber straightens out, and often old creases disappear on their own after several opening-closing cycles.