How To Repair A KitchenAid Microwave Handle

If you own a KitchenAid microwave, you know how convenient and versatile it is. You can use it to heat up leftovers, cook frozen meals, or even make popcorn. But what if the handle of your microwave breaks or falls off? How can you fix it without spending a lot of money or time?

The answer is: You can repair your KitchenAid microwave handle by yourself with some basic tools and parts. In this post, we will show you how to do it step by step, and answer some common questions that you might have.

What You Need To Repair Your KitchenAid Microwave Handle

Before you start repairing your microwave handle, you need to gather some tools and parts that you will need. Here is a list of what you need:

• A new microwave door handle. You can order one online from Repair Clinic or Appliance Parts Pros. Make sure you get the right model number for your microwave. You can find it on the label inside the microwave door or on the back of the unit.
• A multi-screwdriver with Phillips, Torx, and flathead bits.
• A putty knife or a flathead screwdriver.
• A drill with a 1/8 inch bit.
• A hammer and a nail.
• Four quarters or washers.
• Some Loctite super glue and plastic epoxy.

How To Replace Your KitchenAid Microwave Handle

Once you have all the tools and parts ready, you can follow these steps to replace your microwave handle:

1. Unplug your microwave from the power outlet and place it on a flat surface.
2. Open the microwave door and locate the two screws that secure the door to the hinges. They are usually on the bottom edge of the door. Use a Phillips screwdriver to unthread them and set them aside.
3. Slide the door off the hinges and place it on a towel or a soft cloth to prevent scratching.
4. Use a putty knife or a flathead screwdriver to pry off the plastic trim around the inside of the door. Be careful not to damage the glass or the metal frame.
5. Remove the trim and set it aside. You will see the inner panel of the door with four screws holding it in place. Use a Torx screwdriver to unthread them and set them aside.
6. Lift off the inner panel and set it aside. You will see the sliding arm that connects the handle to the latch mechanism. It is secured by two rivets that need to be drilled out.
7. Use a drill with a 1/8 inch bit to drill out the rivets. Be careful not to damage the sliding arm or the latch mechanism.
8. Remove the sliding arm and set it aside. You will see the broken handle attached to the outer panel of the door by two screws. Use a Torx screwdriver to unthread them and set them aside.
9. Remove the broken handle and discard it. You will see two holes on the outer panel where the handle was attached.
10. Take your new handle and align it with the holes on the outer panel. Use a hammer and a nail to make small indentations on the handle where the holes are. This will help you align the screws later.
11. Apply some Loctite super glue on the back of the handle and press it firmly onto the outer panel. Hold it for a few seconds until it sticks.
12. Apply some Loctite plastic epoxy on the screws that came with your new handle and insert them into the holes on the handle. Use a Torx screwdriver to tighten them securely.
13. Take your sliding arm and align it with the holes on the latch mechanism and the handle. Use four quarters or washers as spacers between the sliding arm and the latch mechanism. This will prevent any friction or binding when opening and closing the door.
14. Use two new rivets to secure the sliding arm to the latch mechanism and the handle. You can order them online from Repair Clinic or Appliance Parts Pros. Make sure they are compatible with your microwave model number.
15. Use a hammer to flatten the rivets until they are flush with the sliding arm.
16. Take your inner panel and align it with the outer panel of the door. Use the four screws that you removed earlier to secure them together.
17. Take your plastic trim and snap it back onto the inside of the door.
18. Slide the door back onto the hinges and use the two screws that you removed earlier to secure it in place.
19. Plug your microwave back into the power outlet and test it by opening and closing the door. If everything works fine, you have successfully repaired your KitchenAid microwave handle.

FAQs About KitchenAid Microwave Handle Repair

Here are some frequently asked questions that you might have about repairing your KitchenAid microwave handle:

• How long does it take to repair a KitchenAid microwave handle?

It depends on your skill level and the availability of the tools and parts. But generally, it should take you less than an hour to complete the repair.

• How much does it cost to repair a KitchenAid microwave handle?

Again, it depends on where you get the tools and parts. But generally, you can expect to spend around $80 to $100 for the new handle, the rivets, and the glue. You can save some money by using your own tools or borrowing them from someone.

• Can I use any other glue or epoxy to repair my KitchenAid microwave handle?

We recommend using Loctite super glue and plastic epoxy because they are strong, durable, and compatible with plastic and metal. You can try using other types of glue or epoxy, but they might not work as well or last as long.

Conclusion

Repairing your KitchenAid microwave handle is not as hard as it might seem. With some basic tools and parts, you can do it yourself and save some time and money. Just follow the steps we showed you in this post, and you will have a working microwave handle in no time.

We hope you found this post helpful and informative. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. And if you liked this post, please share it with your friends and family who might also need to repair their KitchenAid microwave handles.