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Subject Topic: DIY help please Post Reply Post New Topic
PersonRomaway
14/7/2021 at 6:35pm
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It is a long time since I have posted as I gave up camping when my husband died. Since then I have been dealing with lots of home DIY stuff that is probably out of my depth to deal with.

I have been looking at a new camper recently and that reminded me that you lot on here are usually very able at DIY ideas.

Everything in the house has packed up at same time as it is all now very old and my husband did most of the work and so it is not easy to sort. He kind of just did things but nothing is standard.

So this is my latest problem and I desperately need some help to make a decision as to how to proceed.

I have bought a new integrated fridge and it just does not fit the hole.

The fridge is 59 cm wide and the gap is 59.5 at front but at back between the two cupboards it reduces to just under 59 so I need to shave one side of the MDF laminated cupboard side off, from top to bottom. The 59 cm measuring stick I made gets tight about 3 inches from back wall.

Can anyone advise on what tool might do this.

The alternative is to cut the back of the cupboards off. The tight area is behind the back of the adjacent cupboard so would not matter.
The fridge would hide any mess too. There are three 1.5 inch holes at back top of the side panel and could I just stick a jig saw in one of those holes and saw down. Which would be easier. Do you think a builder would do this as they don't seem to like small jobs.


PersonSuzie2poos
15/7/2021 at 7:38am
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Personally I'd return the fridge and swap it for a smaller one. Is that a possibility? There seem to be all sorts of sizes available.


PersonMitchamitri
15/7/2021 at 8:29am
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When you take the top surface off the side of the cabinet itll basically fall apart underneath - unless it's sold wood you havent really got a hope of it not being a total mess and a bodge and damaging the side of the fridge - and look out for hitting metal fixings.   I'd do the simpler, cleaner, thing and cut the back off. First thing I'd do though it get a rubber mallet and tap it (not too hard), there might be just enough give (especially if the cupboards are empty while you are doing it) to give you that extra few mm.

I'm acutely aware of the number of fridge/freezer fires (all white goods - I have a mate who works for the fire brigade and it's amongst the top causes of house fires - wasn't Grenfell a fridge?). So I'd not be keen to have rough, dusty unfinished edges against any white goods, integrated or not.

Its a job you can do yourself - just look out for gas pipes, electric trunking, water etc.


Personkevin-t
15/7/2021 at 10:12am
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Just a thought!
Have you tried jacking the unit apart?
Use clamps in reverse mode, might just go that little, without all the fuss of sanding etc.etc.
Use a batton the full length of the hole/gap. so as the clamps don't just pop a hole..
Use clamp top and bottom. You say bottom is ok, so clamp that first so no movement inwards.
Might work, worth a shot......

Best of luck..

p.s........You don't require a builder for this, any handyman worth his salt, should be able to fit this. Whats your location? maybe a retired joiner, kitchen fitter, handy man in your area. Might read this on here and do it for a few beer tokens.....

Post last edited on 15/07/2021 10:29:31


PersonHedgehugger
15/7/2021 at 10:14am
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Welcome back Romaway; sounds as if your life has been full of challenges recently. The idea of a new camper van must give you a boost though. As for the fridge, if you can't swap it for a slightly narrower one I'd be tempted to cut the back bit of the cupboard off with the jigsaw, which would be easier than trying to shave mdf (mask essential when cutting mdf!) and would provide a little more ventilation to the back of the fridge.
Good luck - hope you get it sorted.

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Always edited for sloppy typing - when I spot it!


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Personmoppetsdad
15/7/2021 at 10:50am
 Location: The foot hills of no
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          Don't what ever you do cut through the back panel

As you don't know what's behind it and end up in a right mess,I would in your situation place an add for a kitchen fitter to tell you what's best.

Nice to see you back and good luck getting it sorted.

-------------
David

    

I've stood on Lego and didn't even cry!!


PersonMucker1884
15/7/2021 at 1:09pm
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Anyone know if a fridge contracts once it gets cold?
You know... like the forth bridge, or whatever!

Shove it in > Turn it on > Shove it in a bit more an hour later!

Just a thought!   

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PersonMitchamitri
15/7/2021 at 2:59pm
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Fridges get hot outside when they get cold so afraid that aint gonna work :-)


PersonMucker1884
16/7/2021 at 6:18am
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Quote: Originally posted by Mitchamitri on 15/7/2021
Fridges get hot outside when they get cold so afraid that aint gonna work :-)


Damn! Such a bloody good theory too!



On a more serious note...

With such a tight fit, should the OP be concerned about (lack of?) ventilation/airflow around the fridge?
We have an under-counter/stand alone fridge, and have about an inch gap each side, and almost 2" between the top and worktop. There's quite some heat comes out the front of that top gap at times!

????

-------------
Campervan:
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PersonCapt Lightning
16/7/2021 at 1:30pm
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1. I'd see if I could swap the fridge for a 55cm wide stand alone fridge.

2. If you really want an integrated one, I'd try to find out why the gap is narrower at the back. If the cabinets to either side are square, one or both must be sitting at an angle. I'd try to resolve the issue of the narrowing gap before attacking the cupboards with a saw. Have you got a carpenter's square, or a set square? Check if the cabinet sides are square to the back wall.

-------------
Two drifters off to see the world.

I'm tired of reality, so I'm off to look for a good fantasy.


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PersonRomaway
via mobile 16/7/2021 at 2:21pm
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Thank you all so much for all the helpful replies. I have found a builder who is going to try and sort it for me. The side of the cabinet on one side is skewed probably because the house walls are not True. The wall angles are all odd.

The builder is going to cut the back off and he says it is doable but he will decide once he has had a proper assessment.

I can't get a slimmer fridge than 59 cms and gap is 57 at back.

I have to say, there is no more friendly and supportive group than you lot. Everything I do lately has problems and I am not moaning but being alone after living so long with a competent builder is hitting hard. So thanks everyone.


PersonGram
16/7/2021 at 3:04pm
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A further (disheartening) point - it is highly recommended that you ensure at least 2in/5cm clearance each side, behind and above a fridge for air circulation.
Following on, is there a chance you could return the fridge you have bought?If you look for 'Currys Essential fridge", you'll find a couple that are just under 50cm wide -
This one does not have freezer compartment, but this one does.
We have one of each, especially chosen for narrow size (two fridges because we like our cold drinks! ) and we've been very satisfied with the.

-------------
What's the difference between a chicken?


PersonRomaway
16/7/2021 at 4:10pm
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thanks again.

I have not bought the fridge yet. But I am having my kitchen overhauled with new doors, worktop etc and the fridge would look so much better with a matching panelled door fitted. This means an integral fridge and the Dimension for cavity will be OK as they are fitted tight apart from top and back and those are OK and conform. It is just that 4 inches in front of the back wall the adjacent cupboards taper to just over 2 - 3 cms tight.

I cannot get an integral fridge narrower than 59 cms. My gap width is 60cm at front but only 57cm at back.


PersonCapt Lightning
16/7/2021 at 4:23pm
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Hope you get your fridge fitted OK.

My house is almost 200 years old, but the kitchen is in a 'modern' extension - only 130 years! The walls and floors are a little less than level / plumb. When I refurbished the kitchen, the new range cooker came with a free dishwasher. It was too big for the space, so I had to cut and re-build a cabinet. Fortunately, I have the necessary tools, but making a non-standard door was the most difficult bit.



-------------
Two drifters off to see the world.

I'm tired of reality, so I'm off to look for a good fantasy.


PersonMick S.
23/7/2021 at 7:35pm
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You say you have bought a new fridge. What was in the hole to start with? Integrated fridges normally sit in a gap left twixt units for the purpose of slotting a fridge in. There isnt usually much of a gap left around them, if any (mine has no gap at all). Otherwise once you fit the dummy door, it would look odd. I think its as you say, the units are out of square. And even if you got a fridge to fit the back measurement, the front is then going to show a gap down the sides.
While it may be a pain to do, if possible i would look to remove one of the side panels of the 'hole', and cut the base of the unit square to accommodate your fridge. I cant believe its not doable by someone who knows what they are doing.


PersonFiona W
via mobile 28/7/2021 at 11:44am
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We deliberately opted out of having the fridge & dish washer etc behind integrated cupboard doors because I know I’d be opening the wrong door for ever. There’s also far more choice if it’s not integrated.
It’s also why our wall cupboards are frosted glass, or else I’ll be opening the glasses cupboard when I want a mug. Spent the previous 15 years doing that (and cursing) with the old kitchen - mental block.
Well done to the OP for getting on & getting sorted. You’ll be a DIY expert yourself in no time.

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