Changing the kitchen layout or simply rearranging furniture often confronts owners of household appliances with the need to change the direction of door opening. For many refrigerator models Atlant this is a standard procedure that does not require calling a technician or complex tools. Properly performed rearranging the door allows you to ergonomically fit the unit into the space and provide convenient access to products.
However, the process requires care and strict adherence to the sequence of actions. Improper dismantling can lead to damage to the plastic fasteners or failure of the seal. In this article, we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions for various series of equipment so that you can complete the work efficiently and safely.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
Before starting work, you need to prepare all the tools so as not to be distracted in the process. You will need a standard set of household tools, which every owner usually has. The main work of unscrewing the bolts will be done by screwdriver or a screwdriver with the appropriate bits.
It is also important to ensure sufficient space around the refrigerator. Move the unit away from the wall to allow easy access from all sides. To protect the flooring from scratches and falling heavy elements, it is recommended to lay cardboard or thick fabric underneath.
- 🛠️ A set of screwdrivers (phillips and flat) or a screwdriver with bits.
- 🔧 10 mm wrench or socket (depending on the hinge model).
- 📏 Construction level for checking the horizontal installation.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal edges.
Do not forget to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply in advance. This is safety requirementwhich eliminates the risk of a short circuit in case of accidental damage to the wiring during manipulations with the case.
Design features of doors of different Atlant models
The equipment of the Belarusian manufacturer has its own design nuances that affect the complexity outweighing. In most cases, the classic fastening scheme with two or three hinges is used. However, in modern models with the system No Frost there may be additional elements for fastening the dampers.
It is important to understand that not all doors can be hung. If there are no corresponding holes on the opposite side of the case for attaching hinges and a magnetic lock, then changing the opening side is technically impossible. Typically, such models have technological plugs that will need to be carefully removed.
⚠️ Attention: Before disassembling, make sure that there are threaded holes on the back of the case. Their absence means that the door design does not provide for overhanging.
Particular attention should be paid to the type of handles. In some series, the handles are integrated into the body or have a hidden fastening mechanism, which requires a more delicate approach when dismantling the facade.
Step-by-step instructions: dismantling the upper and lower hinges
The process starts from the top of the refrigerator. First you need to remove the decorative plug, if present, and unscrew the top hinge mounting bolts. After this, the door should be held so that it does not fall, and carefully lifted, removing it from the lower axis.
Next we move on to the lower hinge. It must be moved to the opposite side using the holes provided by the factory. To do this, the locking screws are unscrewed and the mechanism is moved to a new position. It is important not to lose washers and gaskets, as they ensure correct positioning.
☑️ Dismantling checklist
When working with fasteners, try not to use excessive force so as not to break the thread. If the bolts are stuck, you can use a penetrating lubricant, but give it time to work. Threaded connections Atlant refrigerators are usually standard, but require care.
Moving the handle and magnetic lock
One of the most Labor-intensive tasks include rearranging the handle and latch mechanism. On older models, the handle can be attached to screws on the inside of the door, which can be accessed after removing the decorative panel. New models often use hidden fasteners.
The magnetic lock (if provided by the design) also requires relocation. On the opposite side of the door there is usually a plastic plug that needs to be squeezed out or unscrewed. The mating part of the lock or a magnet is installed in the vacated slot.
| Element | Type of fastening | Tool | Nuances |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper loop | Wrench bolts 10 | Socket wrench | Requires door support |
| Handle | Countersunk screws | Phillips screwdriver | You need to remove the plugs |
| Magnetic lock | Latches/Screws | Flat screwdriver | Centering is important |
| Bottom hinge | Stud/Bolts | Open-end wrench | Checking the level |
When installing the handle in a new place, be careful not to overtighten the screws, especially if the door is made of thin plastic or glass. This can lead to cracks around the mounting holes.
What to do if the screws are lost?
If you have lost the original screws for securing the handle or hinges, do not use the first ones you found from your home set. Try to try on screws of a similar diameter, but make sure that their length does not exceed the depth of the hole by more than 2-3 mm. A screw that is too long can push against the inside wall of the door or damage the insulation, leading to freezing. Ideally, contact the service center for original fasteners.
Installing the seal and adjusting the gap
After physically moving the door to the new side, you need to check the tightness of the rubber seal. It often happens that after rehanging the magnetic tape does not fit evenly around the entire perimeter. This can be easily fixed by heating the seal with a hairdryer and straightening it by hand.
The gap is adjusted by turning the adjusting screws on the hinges. If the door is skewed, loosen the middle or bottom hinge, straighten the door and tighten the bolts again. You can check the tightness of the closure using a sheet of paper: it should be clamped around the entire perimeter with the same force.
⚠️ Attention: If there are gaps left after adjustment, do not try to press the door by force. Check if anything is preventing closure (for example, protruding insulation or an incorrectly installed shelf).
Quality seal is the key to proper operation of the compressor and saving energy. A loose fit will lead to the formation of ice and increased load on the engine.
Typical errors and troubleshooting
When doing work yourself, repeating errors are often encountered. One of the most common is loss of orientation in the order in which parts are removed. To avoid problems during assembly, take photographs of each stage or arrange the bolts in the order in which they were removed.
Another common problem is overtightening the bottom hinge bolts, which leads to skew of the entire door leaf. The door begins to open spontaneously or, conversely, does not close completely. In such cases, it is necessary to re-conduct adjusting the hinges using the level.
- ❌ They forgot to move the plugs to the vacated holes, which spoils the appearance.
- ❌ They damaged the plastic pin of the bottom hinge with a strong jerk.
- ❌ They did not check the horizontal installation of the hinge itself refrigerator after moving.
If you notice that the door has become harder to close than before moving, check whether it is touching protruding parts of the cabinet or adjacent furniture. Sometimes you need to slightly change the angle of the refrigerator forward with the help of adjustable supports.
Is it necessary to completely defrost the refrigerator before rearranging the door?
Full defrosting is not strictly necessary if you are working quickly. However, if there is a lot of food in the refrigerator and it is filled to the top, it is better to empty the shelves. This will reduce the weight of the door and reduce the risk of it falling. In addition, it is easier to move an empty refrigerator and unfold it to access the back wall.
Is it possible to rehang the door if the refrigerator is built into a kitchen unit?
For built-in appliances, the procedure is complicated by limited access. You will need to completely pull the refrigerator out of the niche, after first unscrewing the mounting slides that secure it to the furniture. Only by ensuring free access from all sides can you begin to rehang the hinges.
What to do if the door slams after rehanging?
A loud bang when closing indicates a too tight fit or a high slamming speed. Try unscrewing the hinge adjustment screws a little to change the angle. Also check the cleanliness of the seal - the sticky surface can create a suction cup effect.
Will the warranty remain valid after re-hanging it yourself?
According to the rules of most service centers, re-hanging the door is not a complex repair and should not affect the warranty if other components were not damaged in the process. However, if you break the thread or break the glass, this case will not be considered under warranty. Keep all removed parts.
What if the No Frost system hoses interfere with relocation?
In some models with air circulation, flexible hoses have sufficient length for relocation. If the hose is tense, it cannot be pulled forcibly. In such cases, you need to carefully disconnect the air duct, rearrange the door and reconnect the hose, ensuring the integrity of the connections.