Rearranging furniture in the kitchen often confronts owners of household appliances with the need to change the direction in which the refrigerator door opens. The model range Atlant provides this possibility for most two-chamber units, however, the process itself requires care and adherence to a certain sequence of actions. Improper execution of operations can lead to damage to the hinges, seal, or even disruption of the geometry of the case.
In this article we will look in detail at how reverse the door on the Atlant refrigerator, what tools are needed and what to pay special attention to in order not to lose the warranty and maintain the functionality of the device. Before starting work, be sure to make sure that the model of your unit supports reverse, since some budget or older series may not have the appropriate holes and fasteners.
Preparation of the workplace and the necessary tools
The first step is to organize a comfortable working area. You will need free space around the refrigerator so that you can walk around it and safely place the unit or remove heavy items. Make sure that the floor is covered with a soft material, such as cardboard or an old blanket, so as not to scratch the coating if you accidentally touch it.
To perform dismantling and subsequent installation, you will need a standard DIY kit. The main tool will be screwdriver or a set of screwdrivers with different attachments, since screws can have different types of slots. It would also be a good idea to prepare a wrench, a level and a spatula for working with seals.
The list of necessary tools includes:
- 🔧 A set of screwdrivers (phillips and flat) for dismantling fittings.
- 🔩 A 10 mm wrench or socket for the hinge fastening bolts.
- 📏 Construction level for checking the horizontal position after installation.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal edges.
It is important to note that before you begin any work on the refrigerator is necessary disconnect from the power supply. This is a basic safety rule that cannot be ignored. In addition, all products and shelves should be removed from the chambers in order to make the structure as light as possible and avoid broken glass.
☑️ Preparation for re-hanging the door
Design features of Atlant doors
Refrigerators Atlant have their own design features that distinguish them from equipment of other brands. In two-chamber models, the upper and lower doors are often fastened differently, and the hinge system can be hidden or external. Understanding the structure of the fastening unit will help to avoid mistakes during dismantling.
Particular attention should be paid sealing rubber. In Atlant models it is often removable, but in some cases it requires careful bending to access the mounting screws. If on your model the handle is built into the end of the door, you may need to move it to the opposite side, which involves additional manipulations with the plugs.
There are two main types of fastenings that are found in this technique:
- 🚪 Hidden hinges - are located under decorative trims, require careful opening plastic plugs.
- 🔩 External hinges - are attached directly to the body with screws, access to which is open or closed with a simple cover.
Step-by-step instructions for dismantling the door
The process of removing the door leaf begins from the top of the unit. You must first remove the top panel or cover if it is blocking access to the top hinge. In some models Atlant the upper hinge is secured with bolts, which can be hidden under decorative plugs. They need to be carefully pryed off with a knife or a thin screwdriver.
After freeing access to the fasteners, unscrew the bolts holding the upper hinge. At this stage, be sure to call an assistant to hold the door, as it is heavy and may fall, damaging the floor or causing a dent. Disconnect the wiring if the doors have built-in sensors or indicators, having first memorized or photographed the connection diagram.
Next, the algorithm of actions is as follows:
- 🛠️ Unscrew the fasteners of the middle hinge (if there is one) or the bottom, depending on the design.
- 🚪 Remove the door from pins and leave it in a safe place.
- 🧊 Dismantle the handles by unscrewing the screws from the inside of the blade.
- 🕳️ Close the resulting holes with the decorative plugs that came with the kit.
During dismantling, the problem of soured threaded connections is often encountered. If the bolt does not budge, do not use excessive force to avoid breaking the head. It is better to drop a little penetrating lubricant (for example, WD-40) and wait 10-15 minutes. Thread in such cases it is cleaned with a brush from dirt and oxides.
What to do if the fastening screw breaks?
If the head screw has broken off, try carefully drilling out the remaining fasteners with a drill of a smaller diameter or use an extractor. In extreme cases, you will have to replace the entire hinge assembly.
Installing the fittings on the opposite side
After successful dismantling, it is necessary to prepare the body for installing the door on the other side. There are technological holes at the ends of the refrigerator and on the door leaf itself, closed with plastic plugs. You need to remove these plugs from the “new” side and rearrange them to the places where the hinges were previously attached.
The key point is correct installation hinges. They must be mounted strictly symmetrically relative to the central axis of the refrigerator. If the hinges are asymmetrical, make sure you install them with the correct side up. An error in orientation will lead to the door being skewed and a loose fit.
Pay attention to the table of compatibility of fastening elements for different zones:
| Installation area | Type of fastening | Tightening torque | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper hinge | M6 bolts | Medium | Requires fixation doors |
| Bottom hinge | Pin + Bolt | High | Carries the main weight |
| Door handle | Screws under hidden | Low | It is important not to overtighten |
When installing handles in a new place, make sure that they are located at a comfortable height and do not touch adjacent pieces of furniture. In some models Atlant the holes for the handles may be covered with factory film, which must be carefully removed.
Installing the door and adjusting the position
The final stage is hanging the door. Place the bottom of the blade onto the bottom hinge pin, then align the top holes with the installed top hinge. Insert the mounting bolts, but do not tighten them all the way yet. This is necessary for adjustment position.
Using a building level, check the vertical and horizontal of the installed door. The gap between the door and the body around the entire perimeter should be uniform. If there is any misalignment, loosen the top hinge mounting bolts and slightly move the door in the desired direction, then tighten the clamps again.
⚠️ Warning: Over-tightening the bolts may distort the housing metal or damage the threads. Screw the fasteners all the way by hand, and then lightly tighten them with a wrench, avoiding jerking.
After mechanical installation, you need to reconnect the electrical connectors if your model has door opening sensors or a display. Make sure that the wires are not pinched and do not touch moving parts or heating elements of the compressor.
Checking tightness and eliminating defects
After installation, be sure to check the tightness seal fits around the entire perimeter. To do this, you can use a simple test with a sheet of paper: clamp the sheet between the door and the body at different points. If the paper pulls out with force, the seal is good. If the sheet falls out freely, additional adjustment is required.
A frequent problem after rehanging is a loose fit in the corners. This may be caused by it seal deformed during storage or installation. In this case, it is recommended to warm the problem areas with a hairdryer (without overheating the plastic) or leave the door closed for several hours so that the rubber straightens.
If you notice that the door has begun to open tightly or, conversely, too easily, check the horizontal installation of the refrigerator itself. The legs of the unit must be unscrewed so that the body has a slight tilt back. This ensures gravity closing.
Frequent errors and ways to eliminate them
Even following the instructions, beginners can make mistakes that will affect the operation of the refrigerator. One of the most common is lost or mixed up hole plugs. If you have lost the original plugs, they can be replaced with similar ones in size or carefully sealed with a decorative sticker to prevent moisture from getting inside the case.
Another mistake is ignoring the level check. If the refrigerator is positioned crookedly, the compressor may work with increased load, and the door will not close tightly, which will lead to the formation of ice and excessive energy consumption. Always use level to check the position of the unit.
List of typical problems:
- ❌ The door does not reach the body - skewed hinges or deformation of the seal.
- ❌ Creak when opening - lack of lubrication in the hinges.
- ❌ Gap in the upper part - the upper bolts are not tightened enough.
⚠️ Attention: If after all the manipulations the refrigerator begins to work louder than usual, check whether the door is touching the housing or the cooling system pipes when opening. Contact of metal on metal is unacceptable.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Is it possible to rehang the door on a single-chamber Atlant refrigerator?
In most single-chamber models Atlant reversing the door is impossible or severely limited design. Often the holes for the hinges are drilled on only one side. Exact information can be found in the technical data sheet of your specific model.
Is it necessary to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging it?
Yes, this is a mandatory requirement. There should be no food in the chamber, and the unit itself must be turned off and defrosted so that water does not get on the electrical contacts when tilting or removing the doors.
What to do if there are not enough mounting holes?
If there are no technological holes on the body on the required side, then the model does not provide for overhanging. It is strictly not recommended to drill new holes yourself, as you can damage the internal contour or thermal insulation.
How long does the glue on the seal take to dry if I removed it?
If you used glue to fix the seal, complete drying takes from 12 to 24 hours. At this time, it is better not to turn on the refrigerator and keep the door closed, pressing it with a load in several places for better grip.