Modern kitchens often dictate their ergonomic conditions, forcing owners of household appliances to look for ways to move the refrigerator to a more convenient place. However, the standard factory configuration, where the door opens on the rightcan become a serious obstacle in narrow corridors or with a non-standard headset layout. In such situations, the only correct solution is to rehang the doors, which allows you to change the opening side of the doors to the opposite.
Many users mistakenly believe that this requires calling a technician or buying expensive components, but in reality, most models Atlant are designed with this possibility in mind. The procedure requires only a basic set of tools, care and adherence to the sequence of actions described in the technical documentation. If you decide to work independently, it is important to understand that hinge mechanism different series may differ, so haste is unacceptable here.
Before taking active steps, you need to clear the space around the unit and prepare a flat surface. In this guide, we will look in detail at how to correctly dismantle and reinstall door handlesso that they are on the side you need, and how to completely rehang the structure without damaging the coating and mechanisms.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
Quality execution The work of rehanging doors directly depends on preparation. You do not need specialized equipment, but using unsuitable tools may cause damage to the decorative caps. The main tool will be a wrench, the size of which usually corresponds to 8 or 10 mm, depending on the year of manufacture of the model. torn edges of bolts or damage to decorative caps. The main tool will be a wrench, the size of which is usually 8 or 10 mm, depending on the year of manufacture of the model.
A Phillips screwdriver will also be an indispensable assistant, preferably with a magnetic tip, so as not to drop small fasteners inside the case. To protect the flooring and prevent scratches on the refrigerator itself, it is recommended to spread thick cardboard or a soft blanket.
- 🛠️ A set of wrenches or a socket with a ratchet to securely grip the nuts.
- 🔧 Phillips and flathead screwdrivers for removing decorative panels and handles.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal edges and contaminants.
- 🧼 Clean rags and degreaser for cleaning the installation sites of new fasteners.
It is important to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply in advance by removing the plug from the socket. This is not only a requirement safety precautions, but also a necessity, since when the unit is tilted or vibrations, a short circuit may occur in the wiring if it is stretched or pinched.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting work, be sure to defrost the chamber and remove all shelves. The presence of ice or heavy products inside will make the doors too heavy and can lead to casing deformation or injury when the door falls.
Design features of doors of Atlant models
Belarusian brand refrigerators Atlant have their own design features that must be taken into account when rearranging. In most two-chamber models, the upper door of the refrigerator and the lower door of the freezer have a symmetrical fastening system, but location of handles it is often asymmetrical.
Handles can be made in the form of a solid plastic lining, embedded in the body of the door, or be a separate element fastened with screws from the reverse side. In older models, there is often an option where the handle is part of a decorative panel that requires careful handling during dismantling.
It is worth noting that in some series, for example, KShM 4008 or 4502, the holes for the handles can be closed with decorative plugs, which are easy to lose. Therefore, it is better to immediately put all removed small parts into a separate container. Plastic handles on old refrigerators they can be fragile due to time, so it is not recommended to heat them with a hairdryer for removal.
Step-by-step instructions for removing door handles
The process of dismantling the handles is the first and most important stage. If your goal is to simply move them to the other side without completely re-hanging the hinges (which is only possible if the door design allows this), you need to act extremely carefully. First, remove the decorative caps, if any, using a flat-head screwdriver.
Next, you need to unscrew the mounting screws that hold the handle. Depending on the model, access to them may be hidden under plastic covers or rubber seals. Use a Phillips screwdriver a suitable size so as not to damage the screw slots.
☑️ Procedure for removing handles
If the handle fits tightly and does not give in, do not use excessive force. Try warming the fastening area slightly with a hairdryer or tapping on the back of the door (through a towel) to loosen the fixation. After removal, clean the surface of any remaining adhesive or dirt to ensure a successful new installation.
⚠️ Attention: When unscrewing the screws, hold the handle with your other hand. Abrupt removal of fasteners can lead to the part falling and the appearance of chips on the enamel or breakage of the plastic element of the handle.
Technology for installing handles on the opposite side
Installing handles on a new one side requires precise positioning. On the opposite side of the door there are usually already factory holes closed with plugs. If they are not present (in some budget models), you will need to carefully drill new ones using a template or measuring the distance from the edge of the door.
Insert fasteners into the holes on the inside of the door or use special bushings if they are provided for in the design. Then put the handle on and tighten the screws. It is important not to overtighten them so as not to crack the plastic or deform the surface of the door.
td>Studs with nuts
| Type of fastening | Tool | Tightening torque | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inner side screws | Phillips screwdriver | Medium | An assistant is required to hold the door |
| 8 mm key | Strong | It is necessary to secure the stud from turning | |
| Adhesive connection | Degreaser | - | It takes time for the glue to dry |
| Latches (clips) | Flat spatula | Until it clicks | High risk of breakage during dismantling |
After installation, check the reliability of the fixation by opening and closing the door several times. The handle should not wobble or make squeaks. If you notice gaps between the handle and the body, try placing a thin gasket or tightening the fasteners.
The nuances of completely reversing the refrigerator doors
Often, simply rearranging the handles is not enough, and a complete one is required door rehanging to the other side. To do this, you need to remove the top cover of the refrigerator by unscrewing the bolts securing the top hinge. Then the hinge itself and the upper door are removed.
Next, the middle hinge (if there is one) and the bottom door are dismantled. All hinges and stoppers are moved to the opposite side of the case into the holes provided by the factory. Pay special attention hinge pins - they need to be lubricated with graphite grease or machine oil for silent operation.
What to do if the holes do not match?
In some Atlant models, the holes on the opposite side may be closed plastic plugs. They need to be carefully squeezed out from the inside or drilled out if the design does not provide for another option. In rare cases (very old models), you may need to drill yourself, but this is risky.">
When assembling in the reverse order, it is important to correctly adjust the gaps between the doors and the body. If the door is skewed, seal will not fit tightly, which will lead to ice freezing and increased load on the compressor.
Adjusting and checking the tightness after work
The final step is to check the quality of the work performed. Make sure that the doors close tightly and with a characteristic pop. Check the horizontal installation of the refrigerator itself using a building level - tighten it if necessary. adjusting supports front.
Perform a test with a sheet of paper: clamp the sheet between the door and the body in different places around the perimeter. If the sheet is pulled out with force, then the seal fits well. If the paper falls out freely, the hinges need to be adjusted or replaced. seal.
⚠️ Attention: After rearranging the doors and handles, let the refrigerator stand in an upright position for at least 2-3 hours before turning it on. This is necessary to drain any oil into the compressor that may have moved when the unit was tilted.
If you did everything correctly, your Atlant will again delight you with ease of use, adapted to your kitchen. Regularly check the condition of the fasteners in the first weeks of operation, as vibration can weaken threaded connections.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to hang the doors on the Atlant refrigerator without an assistant?
Technically, this is possible, but it is highly not recommended. The doors, especially the lower freezer, have significant weight. Without an assistant, there is a high risk of dropping the door, damaging the floor, or getting injured. In addition, it is difficult for one person to simultaneously hold the door and get into the hinge holes.
What to do if the handle wobbles after repositioning?
You need to check whether the screws are tightened tightly. If there is still play, the threads in the plastic door body may be broken. use a longer screw (if the design allows) or use a special glue for plastic, having previously degreased the surface.
Is it necessary to change the seal when rehanging the doors?
Replacing the seal is not necessary if the old one is in good condition: it is elastic, has no cracks or tears. However, if the seal is dull or. deformed, it is better to replace it immediately to ensure the tightness of the chamber.
Why did the refrigerator begin to make noise after moving the doors?
The noise may be caused by the fact that the door touches the body or products on the shelves when closing. Also check whether the wiring or tubes are pinched during reassembly. If the noise is mechanical (creaking hinges), lubricate them. again.