How to remove the handle of the Atlant refrigerator: complete instructions

The operation of household appliances often involves small but requiring attention situations, such as the need to dismantle door elements. Owners of Belarusian brand appliances are often faced with the question of how to remove the handle of an Atlant refrigerator, especially if they plan to repaint the case, replace a failed element, or simply deep clean hard-to-reach places.

The dismantling process directly depends on the specific series of your unit and the type of fastening, which can be hidden or open. Incorrect actions when trying to unscrew or snap off a part can lead to damage to the plastic or even a violation of the tightness of the door leaf, so it is important to accurately determine the design.

In this article we will analyze the main methods for removing handles for various models, including the popular XM and KHX series. You will learn about the nuances of working with screw connections and latches, and also receive important recommendations for maintaining the appearance of your equipment during work.

Determining the type of fastening and door design

The first step before starting any manipulations is a thorough visual inspection of the fastening site. The design of refrigerators Atlant has undergone changes over the many years of production, and if in old models there was often an open screw connection, modern versions often use hidden mechanisms or a latch system.

Carefully inspect the upper and lower parts of the handle. If you see holes for a slotted or Phillips screwdriver, you're in luck - this is the simplest option. However, in most modern models, the fastening elements are hidden under decorative plugs or the handle structure itself, adjacent to the metal.

• 🔍 Open fastening: the screws are immediately visible, often covered with plastic plugs that match the handle.
• 🔍 Hidden fastening: the screws are located inside the hollow body of the handle, access to them is possible only after removing the part itself.
• 🔍 Latches (clips): typical for some models with metal doors, where the handle is simply inserted into the grooves.

It is important to understand what material your refrigerator door is made of. Metal and plastic sheets require different approaches to dismantling. Incorrect application of force to a plastic door can lead to its deformation or cracks in the places where the hinges are attached.

⚠️ Attention: Before starting work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. This is not only safe, but will also avoid accidentally turning on the compressor or light if you accidentally short the contacts when removing the controls, which are sometimes located next to the handles.

Preparation of tools and workplace

To successfully complete the task, you need to prepare a set of tools in advance. You should not rely on only one screwdriver, as the sizes of the screws can vary, and the quality of the metal in cheap sets often leaves much to be desired, which can lead to the licking of the slots.

Organize your work space: cover the floor in front of the refrigerator with a soft cloth or cardboard. This will protect the floor covering from scratches if suddenly a heavy part falls, and will also keep small fasteners clean, which tend to roll into the most inaccessible corners.

• 🛠️ Screwdrivers: Phillips (Ph2) and flat (3-5 mm wide).
• 🛠️ Plastic spatula: or an old plastic card plastic for snapping off plugs without scratches.
• 🛠️ Magnet: for removing fallen screws from hard-to-reach places.
• 🛠️ Flashlight: for illuminating fastening points.

Pay special attention to the choice of screwdriver. The tip should sit tightly in the screw head. Using a screwdriver that is too small or worn out is the main cause of damage to the fastener heads, after which it becomes extremely difficult to unscrew them.

Removing the handle on models with a metal door

Refrigerators Atlant with metal doors, especially series KHX and some models XMoften have handles that are attached directly to the metal sheet. In such designs, the screws are usually located at the top and bottom of the handle.

The process begins with the search for decorative plugs. They can be made in the form of small circles or rectangles. Gently pry them out with a flathead screwdriver or plastic spatula. Do not use excessive force to avoid breaking the fragile plastic of the plugs.

Removing the plugs will give you access to the screws. Unscrew them counterclockwise. It is important here to hold the handle itself with your other hand so that it does not fall to the floor after unscrewing the last screw. Metal doors are quite rigid, but sudden dismantling can cause vibration.

If screws rusted and does not give in, do not use force immediately. A drop of penetrating lubricant, such as WD-40, applied to the threads will help unlock the connection after 10-15 minutes.

Removing the handle from plastic refrigerator doors

Plastic doors, often imitating wood or having a glossy finish, require a more delicate approach. In models Atlant with a plastic facade, the handle is often part of a complex fastening system, where the screws can be hidden inside the cavity of the handle.

In such cases, you must first remove the cover itself or the top cover of the handle, if it is structurally provided. Sometimes this requires pulling the top of the handle toward you (with moderate force) to gain access to the internal screws.

⚠️ Attention: Plastic becomes brittle at low temperatures. If the refrigerator has just been defrosted or is in an unheated room, let it warm up to room temperature before removing the handles to avoid cracks.

Proceed sequentially:

1. Inspect the ends of the handle for screws.

2. If they are not there, try to carefully squeeze out the plastic plug.

3. Unscrew the exposed screws.

4. If the handle is held on by latches, pull it evenly along the axis of the door or bend it slightly, listening for clicks.

Often owners confuse the design and try to tear off the handle without noticing the hidden screw. This leads to breakage of the plastic mounting ears. Always look for access to the screws first.

What to do if the plastic fastening eye is broken?

If the plastic fastening inside the handle is broken, you can try to restore it using epoxy glue and reinforcement, or drill a through hole and use a bolt and nut, painting the head in the color of the handle. However, it is safer to order a new pen using the catalog number.

The nuances of working with built-in and hidden handles

In modern design series Atlant there are so-called hidden or integrated handles. They are a recess in the end of the door or a special profile. It is impossible to remove such an element in the “classical” way, since it is part of the door structure.

However, if we are talking about overhead profiles that imitate a built-in handle, then they can be attached to powerful latches or screws on the back side of the door. To access them, you often need to open the door and look at the inner end.

In some models, for removal you need to:

• 🔩 Open the refrigerator door.
• 🔩 Find the holes on the inner end opposite the handle.
• 🔩 Insert a long Phillips screwdriver and unscrew the screws.
• 🔩 Carefully remove the handle from the outside.

This design provides an aesthetic appearance, but complicates the dismantling process. The main thing here is not to lose the screws, as they can fall inside the door leaf or onto the floor.

Care for fastening points and assembly

After the handle is removed, the An excellent opportunity to clean the mounting points from accumulated dirt, grease and dust that have accumulated under the plastic for years. Use a soft cloth and neutral detergent.

Inspect the threaded holes. If there are signs of corrosion, treat them with a rust converter or simply clean them with a dry brush. This will ensure easy installation in the future and will prevent the screws from jamming.

When reinstalling:

1. Insert the handle into place, making sure that all the guides are aligned.
2. Tighten all screws by hand without tightening them all the way.
3. Tighten the screws crosswise (from top to bottom), tightening them evenly.
4. Do not overtighten the screws, especially in plastic, so as not to strip the threads.

The final touch will be the installation of decorative plugs. If they are lost or broken, they can be replaced with universal plugs of a suitable diameter or even painted over the holes with acrylic paint to match.

ℹ️ Information: The design of refrigerators may vary slightly depending on the year of manufacture. If you cannot find the screws using the described algorithm, check the official instructions for your specific model on the manufacturer's website.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Is it possible to remove the handle without opening the refrigerator door?

In most models Atlant with a metal door, the screws are located on the front under the plugs, so there is no need to open the door. However, in models with hidden fastenings, access to the screws is often located at the inner end, which requires opening the door.

What to do if the handle screw turns?

This means that the thread in the metal sleeve or the screw itself is broken. Try to unscrew it by inserting a screwdriver at an angle and pressing hard to engage the remaining edges. If this does not help, you will have to drill out the screw head and then restore the thread with a tap.

Where can I find the catalog number of the replacement handle?

The part number (part number) is usually indicated in the spare parts diagram in the operating instructions. It can also be found on the manufacturer’s website or in service centers, naming the exact model of your refrigerator, which is indicated on a sticker inside the chamber or on the back wall.

Why does the handle wobble after installation?

Most likely, the screws are not tightened completely or the rubber sealing bushings are lost (if they were in the design). The cause may also be a broken thread in the door body. Check the tightness of the fit and the presence of all fastening elements.

Is it possible to paint the removed plastic handle?

Yes, this is possible. For plastic, you need to use a special primer for plastic and acrylic enamel in an aerosol. Before painting, be sure to degrease the surface with alcohol or a special product.