Can You Drill A Hole In A Refrigerator?

You can always find new uses for everyday things, which is something craft lovers enjoy. Take refrigerators for example, did you wonder if you can you drill a hole in them? We asked experts and have some intriguing answers to share.

Yes, you can drill a hole in a refrigerator! However, the safest place to drill is the door of the fridge. You can also drill the sides of the refrigerator, as long as there are no evaporator coils there.

If you can drill a hole in your fridge, why does the location of the hole matter? Read on as we answer your questions in more detail.

Drilling Holes In A Refrigerator

Before you start randomly attacking your poor refrigerator with a drill, let's understand the use of a new hole.

Most beer lovers like their drinks cold. Hence, putting your favorite six-pack in the fridge is obvious. But, there are others who prefer cold draft beer! So, why not store a beer keg in a spare refrigerator?

Let's say you bought a keg for consumption, not storage. You can drill a hole in your spare fridge, stick in a tap, and enjoy a cold draft beer at home anytime.

How To Drill A Hole In A Fridge For A Beer Keg

First-time DIYers might find drilling a hole in the fridge daunting. So, start by sizing your refrigerator, and the keg you desire. Experts recommend using a horizontal split refrigerator, since it's the most convenient.

By the way, you can also use mini-fridges or freezer boxes. The size of the fridge will determine where it's safest to drill a hole. Drilling a hole in the refrigerator for a beer tap is fairly easy.

The tools you need are:

• Hole saw (usually, you can use a 7/8")
• Flathead screwdriver.
• Wrenches (Spanner and Hex)
• Power drill

You will also need your keg and the conversion kit ready. The items you should expect to see in a conversion kit are:

• Keg coupler
• Airline
• Beer line
• Tap handler
• Air tank (shipped empty)
• Shank
• Faucet
• Regulator

Check out this Conversion Kit on Amazon.

The drilling and assembling process is straightforward.

1. Start by drilling a hole in the refrigerator door. Ensure the placement of the hole is correct, so it doesn't interfere with opening and closing the door. Cover around the hole(s) with caulk to avoid air leaks.
2. Put the shank through and tighten it on the inside of the fridge. Attach the tap on the outside of the door and tighten it with a wrench.
3. Attach the beer line, the coupler, and the regulator to the CO2 tank. When connecting all these pieces, ensure that the regulator switch and faucet are off.
4. Finally, attach the CO2 tank to the keg, then turn it on. You could add a drip tray below the tap(s). Remember, you can drill several holes for different beer kegs.

If you want to have the door available, drill the side of the refrigerator instead. Do not forget to check for electrical and refrigeration lines.

The whole construction should always remain upright in the refrigerator! Now, you have converted your refrigerator to a kegerator.

A kegerator is a full-fledged bar with a beer dispenser and a section for canned or bottled drinks.

Below are short videos with a visual step-by-step process.

Can You Convert A Mini-Fridge To A Kegerator

Yes, you can! Small beer kegs will fit in a mini-fridge perfectly. However, you will need to make some serious adjustments to accommodate the keg(s), air tank, and tap.

It's best to use a beer tower for the mini-fridge. And, you can still use the mini-fridge to keep other drinks cool!

Where Can You Drill A Hole In A Mini-Fridge And Why

The ideal place to drill a hole for a beer tower is the top of the fridge. The exact spot should be in the area where there are no refrigeration or electrical lines. You will find this sweet spot between the electrical cooling panel and the light switch.

Each model will differ a little from the other. To get the exact measurements:

1. Measure the distance from the back of the metal cooling panel to the front on the inside. Measure the back part of the fridge to the light switch from the inside as well.
2. Mark the two measurements on top of the mini-fridge. Measure and divide the width of the top of the fridge in half.
3. Draw a line to see where the distance between the back panel and the light switch area intersects with the half-width of your fridge.

That's where you'll drill the hole for the beer tower. Remember to leave an allowance for bolts and washers. Make a pilot hole with a drill before using the Hole saw.

Here is a tutorial video on safely converting a mini-fridge to a kegerator.

Can I Drill A Rivet Into My Refrigerator

No, this isn't advisable. The rivets might not hold the screws on the fridge door in place if the door gets yanked suddenly. You will only end up making holes in your fridge for cool air to escape.

Also, you can puncture refrigeration or electrical lines. And doing that could cause the death of the appliance.

Locks and latches meant for refrigerators are the best alternatives. These latches and locks have the ideal adhesive for a good hold. Also, drilling won't be necessary to attach the lock to your appliance.

Have a look at these locks on Amazon.

Why Is My Refrigerator Not Cooling

Several things might make your refrigerator not cool enough for food or drinks. When components aren't working as they should, your food will stay warm. Troubleshoot your appliance to find out the cause.

The problem could be that:

• Coils behind the fridge could be clogged. Clean them.
• Vents at the back of the freezer compartment are blocked. Rearrange your refrigerator to allow proper air circulation.
• The condenser fan is not moving. If the fan is not moving, try replacing it.
• The refrigerator is not plugged into the socket properly. The refrigerator light should come on if you have a proper connection.

If you do not find the problem after troubleshooting, ask a professional for help.

Can You Drill A Hole In Your Freezer

You sure can! In the freezer, you can drill holes in different places. You may drill different sizes of holes, as long as they don't tamper with any electrical or refrigeration lines. Use the appropriate drill bits for the job.

Check out this video before you drill any holes in your freezer.

How Can You Fill Holes In A Refrigerator

Holes in your fridge can be a problem. To seal them properly, choose from several methods and sealants. Caulk, silicone, and expanding foam are the most common sealants.

Another popular sealant is gaffe tape. Whichever sealant you use, ensure it is food safe and can tolerate the temperature in the refrigerator. For some scenarios, you can weld the metal parts of the appliance before applying a sealant.

Check out this Silicone Sealant on Amazon.

Which Refrigerators Are Better Kegerators - Old Or New

It doesn't matter. When upgrading your home, you might be at a loss about what to do with an old, yet still functioning refrigerator. That old fridge could get turned into a kegerator. For a first-time DIY project, use an old fridge.

Remember to transport the refrigerator in an upright manner. The refrigerant will remain in the right position.

Alternatively, you can purchase a new affordable appliance solely for this purpose. A new refrigerator is better left to experienced DIYers. If you want a kegerator and don't have the time or experience to make one, just buy one.

What Is The Lifespan Of A Kegerator

If the refrigerator you are using is in good shape, it should provide many years of service. With proper maintenance a second-hand fridge turned into a kegerator can last up to 10 years. An original factory-manufactured kegerator might survive longer.

In Closing

It is perfectly safe to drill refrigerator doors. There are no 'vital organs' in the door.

Whether you drill holes in your refrigerator for pipes, cords, or taps, always use the right tools. Converting a refrigerator into a kegerator is ideal for a man cave or entertainment room.

Take advantage of more information from these posts:

Fridge Not Cooling But Light Is On - What To Do?

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