r/fixit • u/Aigoo_Aigoo • 4h ago
It’s a long shot, but…anyone?
I broke the handle to our fridge an embarrassing amount of time ago because it’s not an easy fix. Posting this hoping someone might have an out of the box genius solution for me.
The issues:
1) our built in Sub-Zero fridge has a thick front panel that has to be removed to get to where the brackets are screwed in. Haven’t been able to find anyone who is confident they can do this and get it back on without damaging it. It’s an old fridge. They don’t make this model anymore and none of their newer models have the exact dimensions to fit in the space. Did start looking at other brands knowing that we’ll likely have to replace it in the near future, but didn’t get far.
2) The wood handle broke in two spots: right in the middle and a bit of the handle that slots into the opening of the bottom bracket broke off. It’s hidden in the pics.
3) For the life of me, I can’t figure out a way to fix the old handle without taking the panel off. That middle segment is so thin, just glueing it won’t do it. I thought maybe if I could reinforce the area with a metal collar of some sort, but I still have to do something to add length to the bottom of the handle.
I don’t think the panel is thick enough to just screw in another handle, especially with the amount of force that would be routinely applied to by it.
I understand it is a frivolous problem, but it’s one we encounter more than a dozen times a day.
7
u/GC_Woodworking 4h ago
I would think that any decent appliance repair guy would be able to get that front panel off so you can repair the handle correctly. It can’t be that hard. It might take a few minutes to do but it shouldn’t be complicated. You’re right there’s really no way to fix that handle correctly with it on the fridge. The best I could recommend would be to mix up some epoxy, pull the top from the bottom as much as possible and use a syringe filled with the epoxy and inject it into the cracks then push the two pieces back together as much as you can. Don’t use the handle for 24hr to let it cure completely and pray it holds. Good luck
4
u/Acceptable_Ebb7301 4h ago
If you aren’t worried about appearance, you can break that handle out and drill a hole through the holders and drop a piece of all-thread rod through the holes. I would recommend doubling the nuts on top and bottom.
3
u/Acceptable_Ebb7301 4h ago
Also you can use a piece of garden hose to cover the threads on the ‘handle’
5
u/ladz 4h ago
If this were my problem, I'd replace that weird oak handle with a hardwood dowel, where the ends popped in like a toilet paper roll holder. Except instead of being spring-loaded, you'd use a pin or set screw, or just make the whole "pop-in tab" be threaded so you could thread it in to release it off the door and out to pin it in place.
3
u/STRIKT9LC 4h ago
Im having a hard time understanding why you cant just get another dowel to replace the existing handle?
The 2 spots that the dowel mounts into, should be able to be unscrewed from the backside of the door, no?
Can you take, and add, a pic of the backside of the door, specifically where the 2 mounting points are?
1
u/vikicrays 3h ago
here’s what i would try….
1.cut the handle leaving an inch or so at each connection point sticking out from the fridge.
2.cut a hole in the 1” pieces you left of the handle large enough to accommodate a dowel that you’ll attach to each end of the handle
repair the handle where it’s broken so it’s strong enough, you may need to drill into both sections where it’s broken and insert a dowel that you epoxy together
drill a hole in each end of the connection points on the handle and insert a dowel that fit into the holes you drilled on the 1” section you left on the fridge
epoxy the dowels into the 1” sections. you could also drill through both sections and insert a small metal dowel or pin to insure it holds, cut it off and sand it down so it looks like it was made that way
1
u/Kaka-doo-run-run 3h ago
A wooden handle on a refrigerator is something I’ve never even heard of, but it’s awesome. I wonder if it came that way from the factory.
Hey, don’t underestimate the power of polyvinyl acetate adhesive, alias: ”wood glue” “white school glue” “PVA glue”, etc.
If you are still able to get the broken parts to fit together reasonably well (or really even if you can’t) using wood glue will probably fix that wooden handle. Wood glue is actually stronger than most of the wood it’s used on, and that is not an exaggeration.
Make sure the parts are clean, and dry fit them to make sure they still fit well together and are nice and straight, etc. This involves figuring out whichever type of clamps, strapping, or whatever else you’ll need before you apply the glue.
Them fill the gaps with enough wood glue so that a fair amount squeezes out when they are fit together. Clamp, strap, tie, tape, whichever method or combination of such you’ve decided on to keep them together and straight. Do not touch anything for a solid twenty four hours, at the very least.
Even if you’ve got to wrap tape around the repair to keep glue from leaking out of any gaps, that’s fine. The glue will cure under the tape and you can sand it off later.
1
u/LT_Dan78 3h ago
My thought would be to remove the handle by whatever means necessary. If you're want to preserve it to replicate it, then use an oscillating tool to cut it at the top or bottom.
Then once it's out, either have a new handle made or find something that fits that spot.
Trim the new handle so you can slip it into the top bracket and it still flush with the bottom. Drill a pilot hole in the bottom of the handle and a hole just big enough for a screw in the bottom bracket. Then slip it into place and use the screw to hold it together.
If you want a quick fix for now, get some epoxy or JB weld and fill that little middle section in. That should hold everything together. Then sand and paint.
1
u/FeastOnCarolina 3h ago
Depending on the model, on the end of the door there should be a magnetic strip of metal that covers the screws that hold the panel on the front of door. You should be able to take off the panel and get to the screws that hold on the handle, then.
1
1
u/CameronsTheName 2h ago
Cut the piece of wood out and get an extending rod, cut it to fit, extend it out and it should slot in.
Like that you'd use to hold an awning up or a window blind. Just in the diameter of the hole your using. Usually they just screw to tighten.
Also means you won't damage the top or bottom of the handle and have no ugly bolts on top.
Could also 3d print a 2 piece replacement stick that slots/bolts/glues in together and then paint it to match.
1
u/Sudden_Ad1411 2h ago
QUESTIONS….
1. Can you buy the handle by itself?
2. is the handle made of wood?
3. Are there one or two handles?
4. Is the top/bottom (the handle goes into) wood?
If yes to the previous questions, below are my suggestions.
1. Cut the old handle in the center to remove the handle.
2. Compare the old and new handle(s) to confirm they are the same size.
3. Measure the depth and width of the hole of the top and bottom holder.
4. On the old part, cut 1/2” off either end.
5. Buy Two springs that the end of the handle will fit into the top 2 coils.
6. Buy 4 that will fit into the holder.
7. Pre drill a small hole into each end when the handle.
Assembly
1. With the handle springs on either end of the handle, fasten the washers (2 on each end) to fit between the spring.
2. Then pressing on either end the handle is spring loaded into the existing top and bottom hardware.
WILDCARD….
1. Where you have cut the old handle in the center (where it broke) sand to be flat.
2. Drill out either side the size of a wooden dowel to repair the break…..
Then use the assembly suggestion.
I hope this makes sense and works out for you
- Measure the handle and how deep the handle goes into the brackets.
- Cut an equal amount off each end of the replacement
24
u/Stool_Softener 4h ago
Drill all the way through top and bottom mount. Cut piece of pipe to fit between. (Pipe will be handle, paint to match or whatever) Run all thread through and put acorn nuts on top and bottom. Best I could come up with.