Bottom Mount and French Door Refrigerator - Attaching, Tightening, or Removing the Handles

It is easy to install, tighten, or replace the handles on your Bottom Freezer or French Door refrigerator. Handles are secured to the door by metal studs or plastic mounting fasteners.Model-specific directions can be found in the installation section of your Owner's Manual. Download a copy of the Owner's Manual. Directions for attaching a handle can be reversed to remove the handle.

Removal and Installation of Handles with Metal Studs and Set Screws

1. With an 1/8" or 3/32" Allen wrench, loosen the handle set screws located on the inner side of the handle.
2. Slide the handle off the handle mounting fasteners and remove the handle.
3. To replace or reinstall, slide the handle onto the handle mounting fasteners until it locks into position.
4. Retighten the set screws.

Removal and Installation of Handles with Plastic Fasteners

1. To remove the freezer drawer handle, use a rubber mallet to gently tap on the right endcap towards the left until you see the handle disengage from the plastic fasteners on the drawer. Then simply remove the handle from the drawer.
2. To remove the fresh food door handles, firmly grab the handle with both hands and lift the handle upward to release it from the fasteners on the door. For French Door models, repeat these steps for the opposite door.
3. To install or reinstall the freezer door handle, brace the refrigerator on the right side to hold it in place.
4. Align the slots inside the freezer handle endcaps to the plastic mounting fasteners on the freezer drawer and slide it to the right until it comes to a hard stop.
5. Using a rubber mallet, gently tap on the left end of the handle until the handle no longer moves to the right.
6. To install or reinstall the handles on the fresh food doors, align the slots inside the fresh food handle with the plastic fasteners on the door.
7. Firmly pull the fresh food handle downward until it no longer moves. For French Door models, repeat these steps for the opposite door.

Tightening Handle Fasteners

• To tighten the fasteners, remove the handles by reversing the steps above. Use a screwdriver to tighten the fasteners on the refrigerator door.

If a replacement handle is needed, you can order from GE Appliance Parts. Order a GE Appliance part online.For more information on installing or replacing the handles on your Bottom Freezer refrigerator, see the following video: