Original handle for the refrigerator door. Original handle for the refrigerator door Or you can leave everything “as is”
![Original handle for the refrigerator door. Original handle for the refrigerator door Or you can leave everything “as is”](/uploads/005be033489606b167a90587218a2839.jpg)
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The refrigerator handle can break quite often, which is caused by several factors. First of all, the handle may be subject to excessively active influence from household members. Of course, we're talking about about small children who strive to tug on it during their games.
It is noteworthy that the handles break on almost all brands of refrigerators, so even the most branded units are not immune from this unenviable fate. By the way, breaking the refrigerator handle is considered mechanical damage, so you will not be able to make a replacement under warranty, even if the refrigerator was purchased recently and you have a warranty card in your hands. It turns out that you will have to deal with this problem yourself.
Is it possible to do without a pen at all?
Of course, the refrigerator handle is not as important a part as the compressor or engine refrigeration system, but its absence may be a consequence big problems further. Yes, the refrigerator will function, but then the following problems may arise:
- You can open a door without a handle, but doing so is completely inconvenient. But such inconvenience is not the main problem. Over time, if you open the door by the edge, then rubber compressor will quickly become unusable.
- There are times when, after the handle breaks, the door stops closing tightly. This is already much worse, because a layer of ice quickly begins to grow inside, and in this state the refrigerator will quickly fail.
As we can see, replacing the refrigerator handle must be done without fail, because this small problem will eventually develop into a big nuisance.
Many people think that they will be able to repair the refrigerator handle, but this is almost impossible, because when it breaks, they are damaged mainly plastic parts. Of course, they can be glued together, but such a handle will not last very long, so replacement is the only option.
How to replace the handle?
To replace a refrigerator handle, you must first purchase one. Remember that you only need to purchase a “original” pen, because components from other manufacturers simply will not suit you. There will be different connectors, fastenings, shape, etc.
Of course, handles for refrigerators differ depending on the manufacturing company, so their shape, structure and type of fastening will differ. Let's take an example of replacing the handle on a LIEBHERR refrigerator:
- First, remove the protective pads from both fasteners.
- Very carefully remove the handle from the pushers.
- Remove the protective pads.
- Unscrew the bolts located on the handle using a 5.5 socket.
- Next you need to install new fasteners, but already in reverse order as we did before.
- Then we snap the handle onto the door mounts.
The advantage of these handles is that replacing them does not require disassembling the door itself, which happens in some models. Replacing the handles on a Whirlpool refrigerator looks even simpler. The procedure will be approximately as follows:
- Using a flat screwdriver, remove plastic lids on both sides of the handle.
- We unscrew the screws to remove the old handle.
- We install the new handle in place so that the holes match.
- Next, tighten the screws until they stop.
- We put back the plastic covers that we removed first.
- We check our handle by opening the refrigerator door. If we did everything correctly, then it should not dangle.
Refrigerator handles can be replaced in other ways, depending on specific brand refrigerator. But if we look at it in general, this does not require special skills, so most people can cope with this task. The only thing that may cause difficulty is finding a suitable handle for your refrigerator, because not all stores fully stock Consumables from various manufacturers.
Buy a refrigerator handle in the Samodelkin online store
Video: replacing the handle
I propose my idea for making a handle for the refrigerator from table forks.
It so happened that after several repairs (gluing broken parts) plastic handle completely crumbled on the refrigerator door.
There was nothing to replace it with, and looking for a new one to replace it was useless. So I had to be smart home handyman. The fork just happened to be handy. “Why not,” I thought and got down to business. I must say that this was my fastest homemade product.
It was not difficult to make it: it was enough to give the required form two forks (bend), drill a hole in one of them and cover the sharp teeth of the forks.
Then we attach the new handle to the refrigerator door. The table fork is comfortable to hold in your hand when used for its intended purpose and is quite comfortable as a handle for opening the door. You just need to bend the forks correctly, choose the right location, height, angle - and you get an ergonomic door handle.
After installing the handle on the refrigerator, it also became a holder for kitchen towel or potholders, as well as reminder leaflets about future purchases in the store.
Perhaps this is a temporary handle, but if it seems comfortable, then, like everything temporary, it will develop into a permanent one.
Refrigerators stand out from the rest household appliances. They are used every day and repeatedly. An important element of the refrigerator is the handle. It is worth remembering when choosing a unit, you need to take care of it and, sometimes, you have to replace it. Modern market offers a wide variety of door opening elements refrigerator, everyone can choose the most acceptable and comfortable option.
Varieties
Refrigerator handles have gone through a long journey of changes and modifications. The first were mechanisms reminiscent of automobile ones with a built-in lock. They were installed on the facade of the product in a vertical or horizontal position. Later, such mechanisms had to be removed due to many accidents with American children. The refrigerator could not be opened from the inside and was deemed unsafe.
They were replaced by the usual door knob. They were positioned so that the refrigerator could be opened by a person of average height. The main criterion for manufacturing was ergonomics. Fixed elements made it possible to open the refrigerator from left to right and nothing else. Customer demands grew and companies were forced to once again reconsider the technology for opening and closing the refrigerator.
Simple parts have become longer and have become comfortable for people of any height. Their appearance improved, the handle has become an important functional and decorative element refrigerator. The part could now be positioned not only in the usual ways, but diagonally.
Many manufacturers began to experiment with hidden handles. They represent a recess in the wall of the door. They were made so that the fingers of an adult could fit through them without any problems. A little later, refrigerator manufacturers came up with handles for refrigerators that open from right to left. Many models now have reversible doors; the buyer can install them so that the equipment opens in the desired direction.
All modern mechanisms openings have pushers in their structure. They ensure easy door opening with minimal effort on your part. Most models have long removable handles. Provided they are fastened well, they are comfortable and reliable. Refrigerators with built-in (recessed) handles received new life, they significantly save space.
You can find a refrigerator with a suction cup handle. It is universal and can be used as furniture. The newest models have a touch opening method. All you have to do is move your hand to the handle and the refrigerator will open on its own. This option is very convenient when your hands are full.
Which ones break more often?
Over many years of development of the technology for manufacturing and installing handles, certain trends and inclinations have been noticed. More often it is the overhead plastic structures that break. Metal constructions, as a rule, are more reliable. Recessed mechanisms are not prone to breakage. Old-style handles are also very reliable; they are often found on Soviet-era refrigerators.
The cause of the problem may be a small area where the handle is attached to the door of the appliance. In this case, the fastenings themselves may fail. The material of the element is also considered an important factor. Metal will last you much longer than plastic.
How to choose?
The handle is important element refrigerator, it has both functional and decorative purpose. Refrigerators with recesses quickly lose their appearance because dirt gets stuck in the handle. It is quite difficult to wash such an element, so many do not consider this option at all.
The outer handle should be checked for strength in the store. Open and close the door several times. Try to intuitively feel the correct pressure distribution along the entire length of the element. Make sure the impact area is fairly wide.
Test the handle mount itself. It should be durable and not allow the element to dangle under your hand. It is important to evaluate your own efforts that need to be made to open the technology. Don't forget about the position of the handle. Here the choice largely depends on the layout of the kitchen where the refrigerator will be located. Consider the opening direction, the appropriateness of the large element and its location relative to the body.
Replacing the handle
If the plastic handle is broken, you should think about replacing it. This process is quite simple and does not cause difficulties even for beginners. Do not forget about safety precautions - be sure to disconnect the device from the power supply. After that, wait a couple of minutes and get to work:
- The handle is held on by screws, and they are hidden under the bar. This strip acts as a plug. Press it down and pull it up.
- Do this with the second plank as well.
- Unscrew all the screws and remove the handle with careful, smooth movements. Do not make sudden movements, as this may damage the door. Force may only be needed when removing the plastic cover, but there is no point in putting pressure on the squeezing mechanism.
- After removing the element, it is worth cleaning the surface of the door. You can use any usual cleaning product. Be sure to wipe down the door paper towel dry.
- Now we install the new handle. To do this, align the holes in it with the corresponding ones on the refrigerator. Tighten the screws and lower the slats.
This type of handle replacement is done independently. Just purchase new element for your brand of refrigerator and that’s it. If the new part does not come with screws, you can use the fasteners with the old one.
The following video will help you repair the refrigerator handle yourself.
Master class on making a pen
It happens that the handle breaks too unexpectedly. You may not have enough time or money to buy a new one. It is worth thinking about making a product from scrap materials. A master class on how to build a handle from 2 forks will come to the rescue. Procedure:
- Pick two absolutely identical forks.
- Bend each of them so that one holds the door, and the second acts as a handle. The look should match exactly your door shape, so it's all up to you.
- Bend the inner teeth on the first fork and twist the handle so that the second fork is secured in it.
- Drill a hole in the bottom of the second fork. With its help, the product will be attached to the door from the facade.
- Now just install homemade element V comfortable spot on the refrigerator door.
Like any mechanism, the refrigerator handle tends to break, which is influenced by a number of factors. First of all, a malfunction may occur due to its too active use by family members. This applies to the little ones, who often pull on it during the game and do not understand that this should not be done.
Features of removing the handle on a Liebherr refrigerator
Liebherr refrigerator handle
Externally, the handle from the Liebherr model is very similar to a door. It is logical that it can break for the same reasons. If you systematically pull on it with more force than required, then sooner or later it will need repair. Of course, the easiest way is to purchase a new one, but before that, you should correctly remove the damaged Liebherr part, and then install the purchased one in its place. After all, using a door without a handle will be a real test, which will only lead to damage to the rubber seal.
Broken handle
The process of rehanging a part onto a Liebherr model
- Because this element It is held on by screws and must be accessed. To do this you will need to move the decorative trims. From the side of the bend we easily pick up the bar, after which it smoothly slides off, moving along the guides specially installed for this purpose. It is worth keeping in mind that on some models of refrigerators it seems outwardly that the decorative strip and the mechanism that holds it are one, although this is not the case. Therefore, you should not try to remove them together, because this will only damage the integrity of the door and other mechanisms.
Decorative overlays
- The next step is to unscrew the screws that hold the part. To do this, you need to have a simple Phillips-type screwdriver with you.
- Next we screw it on new part screws, and then return the decoration plates to their place. The installation process is complete and your refrigerator looks like new.
Parts included in the kit
By the way, the question regarding replacing the handle on a Liebherr refrigerator is the most popular among all possible problems with this technique. The remaining components are made on top level, as befits a self-respecting German company. If you need to replace the handle freezer, then the above tips will also work.
Replacing the freezer handle follows the same principle.
Depending on the model, the replacement process may be different. To summarize, it should be noted that this work does not require special knowledge or the involvement of a specialist. Even a schoolchild can cope with such a procedure.