Changing the opening side of the refrigerator doors is a task that many owners of household appliances face when moving or remodeling their kitchen. Often, the standard configuration laid down by the manufacturer interferes with convenient access to products due to interior features or the location of outlets. The brand's equipment Atlant is designed taking into account the possibility of modernization, which allows you to change the hitch without the involvement of expensive specialists.
The rehanging process requires care and the availability of a basic set of tools, but is not technically complex. The main difficulty lies in the correct sequence of dismantling the fittings and careful handling of fragile structural elements. Errors at the planning stage can lead to damage to the seals or even chips on the metal case.
In this material we will analyze in detail how to rearrange the Atlant refrigerator door so that you can do the job efficiently and safely. You will learn about the nuances of working with hinges, adjusting gaps and the features of dismantling various types of handles. Compliance with the technology ensures that the equipment will serve for a long time, and the seal of the chambers will not be compromised.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
Before starting any manipulations with the housing of household appliances, it is necessary to prepare the workspace and tools. You will need a free area where you can put the removed sashes without damaging them or the flooring. It is best to cover the floor with thick cardboard or a soft blanket to avoid scratches on the enamel.
The basic set of tools usually includes open-end wrenches, screwdrivers and pliers. The specific set depends on your of the Atlant refrigeratormodel, as fasteners may differ. In some cases, a special hex key is required, which often comes complete with instructions upon purchase.
- 🔧 A set of open-end wrenches (sizes 8, 10, 12 mm) for unscrewing the hinge bolts.
- 🪛 Cross and flat-head screwdrivers for removing handles and decorative plugs.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal edges.
- 📦 A box or container for storing small parts and screws.
It is also important to take care of the safety of electrical wiring. Before starting work, the unit must be disconnected from the power supply. This will not only prevent the risk of electric shock, but will also allow the compressor to cool down, making it easier to move the heavy device.
Removing the top cover and removing the top doors
The re-hanging process always starts from the top of the unit. The first step is to remove the top cover of the refrigerator compartment, if it is structurally provided for in your model. The mounting screws may be located at the front under the trim strip or at the rear. Carefully unscrew them and set the lid aside.
Next, you should release the top hinge. In models with one chamber or in two-chamber units, the upper flap is first removed. Hinge mechanism It can be hidden under a plastic plug that needs to be pryed off with a flat screwdriver. After releasing the fasteners, do not rush to completely unscrew the bolts until you have secured the position of the door.
Ask an assistant to hold the sash while you unscrew the top hinge mounting screws. Sudden removal of the load can cause a heavy metal structure to fall. The removed door should be carefully placed on a prepared soft surface with the outer side facing up.
⚠️ Attention: Do not leave the refrigerator door leaning against a wall or furniture without secure fixation - it may fall and break the glass of the shelf or damage the interior.
After removing the door, inspect the hole in the body where the hinge was located. There is often a threaded bushing or plug there. They must be moved to the opposite side of the case to ensure fastening for the new position. If the equipment came with special locking screws for unused holes, install them now.
Hanging the bottom door and working with the mechanism
The bottom door that closes the freezer is usually heavier than the top and requires more careful handling. In two-chamber models Atlant a system is often used where the lower loop is the carrier for the entire structure or has a complex system of levers. First, remove the decorative panel covering the lower hinge.
When unscrewing the lower hinge, it is important to hold the door, since after removing the fasteners it will lose support. In some models, adjusting washers are installed between the hinge and the body. Remember or take a photo of the number and order of washers, since they will need to be moved to the new side to maintain the correct gap.
Having removed the lower sash, we move on to the central hinge (in two-chamber models). This is where difficulties most often arise. The mechanism can be combined with the axis of rotation or have a separate bracket. Carefully disconnect all the elements, trying not to lose the spring mechanisms of the closer, if any.
On the freed side of the body, you need to install the mating part of the hinge. Make sure the threaded holes line up. If the holes at the new location have a different depth or diameter, use adapter bushings from the repair kit, which is usually supplied from the factory packaging.
☑️ Check before installing doors
Installing handles and fittings on the new side
One of the most labor-intensive parts of the process is dismantling and installation handles In older models Atlant the handles could be non-removable or require disassembling the entire end of the door. In modern series, handles are attached with screws from the inside or snapped onto hidden clips.
To remove the handle, it is often necessary to remove the entire door panel or gain access through technological holes. If the handle is plastic and fastened with latches, proceed with caution: the plastic becomes brittle over time and may crack if pressed inaccurately. Use a flathead screwdriver wrapped in a cloth to avoid leaving marks.
When installing the handles on the new side, make sure that the holes in the door leaf line up. If the model is universal, holes must be provided on both sides. Otherwise, drilling will be required, which is not recommended to be done without professional skills, since the internal contour of the insulation can be damaged.
Also check the condition sealing rubber. With prolonged use it could become deformed. By removing the handle, you have excellent access for inspection and cleaning of the profile. If the rubber is hard, it can be heated with a hairdryer or lubricated with silicone to restore elasticity before final installation.
What to do if the holes for the handles do not match?
In some budget or old models of Atlant refrigerators, holes for the handles may only be on one side. In this case, independent re-hanging is impossible without drilling new holes and sealing old ones. This requires professional intervention as it damages the thermal insulation. Check the technical data sheet of your model before starting work.
Assembling the structure and adjusting the gaps
After moving all the fasteners and bushings to new places, the reassembly process begins. Place the bottom hinge on the new side and place the bottom door on it. At this stage, it is important not to tighten the bolts “all the way”, but to leave a small gap for subsequent adjustment.
Next, install the middle hinge (if any) and hang the top door. The key point is to ensure that the doors are parallel to the body. The gaps between the door and the wall of the refrigerator should be the same throughout the entire height. If the bottom of the door protrudes more than the top, or vice versa, the position of the hinges will need to be adjusted.
Adjustment is carried out by placing adjusting washers or loosening the fastening screws and then leveling the blade. Once the correct position is set, all bolts are securely tightened. Check the operation of the mechanism: the door should open smoothly, without creaking or jamming.
| Element | Action | Tool | Nuance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper hinge | Rearranging the bushing | Wrench 10 mm | Keep an eye on the thread |
| Lower support | Height adjustment | Adjustable wrench | Align level |
| Handles | Dismantling/Installation | Screwdriver | Do not tear off the plastic |
| Plugs | Replacing sides | Pliers | Close empty holes |
Don't forget to install decorative plugs in the empty holes on the case. They not only improve the appearance, but also protect the metal from corrosion, preventing moisture from entering the structure. If the plugs are lost or broken, they can be ordered separately or the holes can be sealed with heat-resistant material.
Final tightness check and adjustment
The final step is to check the tightness of the doors. Close the refrigerator tightly and try to pull a sheet of paper out from under the seal. It should be removed with noticeable force around the entire perimeter. If the paper slides out freely, it means that a gap has formed in this place through which the cold will escape.
If you find a loose fit, check whether something is preventing the closure: shelves, products or packaging. If there are no mechanical obstacles, the door may have been warped during installation. Repeat the procedure for adjusting the hinges, achieving uniform pressure.
It is also worth paying attention to the operation of the light switch and magnetic valve. When the door is opened, the light should come on, and when closed, it should go out. If after rehanging the light does not light up, the switch rod may have moved or the wiring contact has been broken (in models where the wiring goes through a hinge).
⚠️ Attention: In models with a No Frost system or electronic control, make sure that the cables passing through the hinges are not twisted and have sufficient length to open the door 90 degrees.
After all the manipulations, turn on the refrigerator. Let it run for several hours without loading food to make sure the temperature is stable and there is no extraneous noise. Correctly performed rehanging does not affect the warranty if the seals on the compressor have not been damaged or the integrity of the factory components has been compromised.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to rearrange the doors on the Atlant refrigerator yourself without losing the warranty?
Yes, the manufacturer Atlant provides for the user to be able to rehang the doors. The instructions for most models have a corresponding section. The warranty remains valid if the internal components were not damaged during operation, the threads in the housing were torn off, or the tightness of the cooling system was broken. It is recommended to keep receipts and act carefully.
What to do if after rehanging the door does not close tightly?
Most often the reason lies in incorrect adjustment of the hinges or misalignment of the body. Check that the refrigerator is level on the floor (use a building level). If everything is in order with the level, loosen the hinge mounting bolts, press the door tightly against the body and tighten the bolts again. Also check if the seal is wrapped inward.
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before moving the doors?
Full defrosting is not necessary if you work quickly. However, if there is a lot of ice in the freezer, the door will be heavier, making removal more difficult. In addition, when tilting the unit (which is sometimes required to access the lower screws), oil from the compressor can flow into the circuit, so it is important to maintain a vertical position as much as possible.
Where can I get new plugs for the holes if the old ones are lost?
Plugs can be ordered at the brand's authorized service centers Atlant, indicating the exact model of the refrigerator. Also suitable are universal furniture plugs of the appropriate diameter and color, which are sold in hardware stores. As a last resort, the holes can be carefully sealed with a piece of self-adhesive film in the color of the case.