How to repair a broken refrigerator door shelf

In this video I repair a broken door shelf in a refrigerator, often called a fridge. A broken refrigerator door shelf can easily be repaired using a good quality grab adhesive. In the past I have used Nemesis grab adhesive, but in this video I used Adiseal ultra clear. You can get replacement door shelves, but they are expensive and if your fridge is old, you are often better off saving the money and putting it towards a new refrigerator at a later date.

[@gogofrisbee]

Great video. Bought some RTV silicone for $5 and fixed two shelves. Clips were sheared right off and fell inside fridge door so zero chance of glueing those back on. Used the silicone to perform and basic surface to surface adhesion forcing the silicone to take all shear weight. Crossed fingers and 24hr after cure loaded fridge up. Shelves are firmly affixed and holding large quantities of heavy glass jars. Thank you for this video, nicely done!

[@ultimatehandyman]

👍

[@markrowland5393]

Great fix for a ten year old fridge. The cheapest price I've seen for the adhesive is about £8 so buying a new shelf would be £22 more - not worth it on an old fridge but maybe a new shelf would be better if the fridge wasn't as old. I'd never heard of Adiseal before - worth knowing if you need a transparent grab adhesive. I learn something new every time I watch one of your videos. Thank you.

[@ultimatehandyman]

Adiseal is great, I only used about 1/3 of the tube and resealed it with a screw and Gaffer tape for future use ;-) Thanks for the comment

[@maryosmaston531]

Great video, thanks. I have just repaired the milk bottle shelf in our fridge and followed all your suggestions, except the brand of adhesive. Great idea to make a cardboard door, which really worked well. I decided to use an adhesive that was supposed to fill gaps, as it was the part that slots over the bump on the door that was broken, letting one side of the shelf drop, so pretty crucial, especially with heavy bottles. I used JB Weld Plastic Bonder and it has worked fine, but wasn't as thick as I thought. It is described as drying 'tan' but actually it is yellowish and doesn't show anyway, so the colour doesn't matter. The disadvantage was that it's not in a gun like the one you used, so it was harder to get all the gaps filled, especially along the bottom of the shelf. Thank you for all the tips.

[@ultimatehandyman]

I’m glad you found the video useful Thanks for the comment 👍

[@MrSmith-hd8od]

This brought back memories for me from about 25-ish or so years ago, using a type of silicone adhesive stuff at work, gluing up some damaged commercial building roof gutters as a temporary repair. The stuff was hellaciously sticky, (it stuck to completely wet surfaces!) utterly crystal clear, and easily cured submerged under water. It may have been called "flexall" or "flexcell " or something similar, I can't quite remember off hand right now, but I was absolutely amazed at how scary well the stuff worked, lol

[@ultimatehandyman]

I normally find that black coloured adhesives and silicones get all over the dam place- especially my clothes! Thanks for the comment

[@jonathancook8364]

Brilliant thanks for putting a great fix together 👍🏻👍🏻

[@ultimatehandyman]

I hope everyone has a great Sunday 😉

[@BenMitro]

Sunday is almost over here in AU :(

[@ultimatehandyman]

Oh well, back to work for you soon! I hope it's a bit warmer where you are ;-) Thanks for the comment

[@worzelgummidge3617]

Its bloody weird that you uploaded this video at approximately the same time my fridge shelf broke! Wtf! I'll fetch it back from the bin 🤣

[@georgezacharia4709]

Thanks from me too. Your video gave me the confidence to ‘‘construct’ a fridge door from cardboard and let the actual door warm up to room temperature to take the adhesive. Applied the adhesive in the best DIY tradition (…. messily….) and had to think on my feet to overcome the problem of gaps between the shelf and door. Successfully repaired the door thus avoided replacing the fridge before its time. Will keep us going until we ‘do the kitchen’ in a couple of years. Thanks again

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment 👍

[@caskwith]

That plastic they make those shelves out of can be a bugger to fix. I have found a succesful solution though it is not exactly pretty. First glue the broken part back on with CA (super) glue. Then use sandpaper to rouhg up about 1/2" each side of the break line, both sides of the shelf. You then need some cotton gauze, the type used as part of medical dressings works well. Using CA glue again you patch over the break line making sure the gauze is well saturated with glue. This creates a poor mans fibreglass type repair. Cotton reacts with the CA glue making it cure incredibly hard and it makes for a durable repair that can be sanded and filed if needed. I have had shelves repaired in this manner last for many years, in fact I think my mothers fridge has been about 10 years since I fixed a shelf and it is still secure.

[@ultimatehandyman]

I'll try that at some point 👍 Thanks for the comment

[@Apostolic3564]

Thank you for this most excellent DIY project. I have a brand new Sears (USA) frig that the door shelves literally fall off when the door is closed. I’m tired of picking up bottles lol thank you!!!

[@ultimatehandyman]

You are welcome Thanks for the comment 👍

[@sucha12]

Thank you for sharing this! Very helpful!

[@ultimatehandyman]

You are so welcome! Thanks for the comment

[@Chriswales]

The quality of the plastic in fridges & freezers is awful these days. My wife broke the plastic drawer in a freezer. After many attempts to fix, finally found clear silicone sealant reinforced with lollipop sticks worked. Not exactly attractive but then again you don't leave the freezer door open for very long.

[@Lex4122]

Oh i´m gonna steal that one. Broke my drawer last week while cleaning it. Thank you!

[@TheChipmunk2008]

Our freezer drawer is held together with cable ties fitted through holes either side of the crack like stitching and then coated in sealant

[@djfearross4144]

@@Lex4122 broke mine cleaning it as well. Lesson learnt. Never clean.

[@davewhite4907]

Great idea for the temporary door! Last one I mended was just a hinge in the freezer luckily!

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment ;-)

[@jobaecker9752]

Very cool, do-it-yourshelf tip!

[@ultimatehandyman]

Ha Ha ;-) Thanks for the comment

[@h0tie]

This fix is worth the pounds put in, straightforward and could be done by any Tommy

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment

[@ratchriat1716]

I toatly agree is pointless sepending money getting a new shelf for it that's what I will do enjoyed the video.

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment 👍

[@revengenerd1]

I have a different issue, the side bumps where the shelf clips onto have broken off though I still have them, its because the shelves (which are cracked but I have spares luckily) weren't deep enough to stop bottles moving about when in so they toppled and snapped off the bumps, I tried gluing them back on which partially works but because the trays are so thin all it takes is to open door too fast or a bottle to woblle and then tip for it to fall and snap the bump off again, I noticed you used that strong glue in the video, im guessing something like that will work, relative says use a screw through the side but that won't lock in place im assuming and be ugly.

[@ultimatehandyman]

A stronger, more flexible glue will possibly work. I can't believe how expensive replacement parts are for fridges etc. They are very expensive compared to parts for other white goods, such as washing machines.

[@multiversos1]

Thanks for that. Quick and easy solution. :)

[@ultimatehandyman]

You are welcome Thanks for the comment 👍

[@pats1010]

Cheers mate! That’s something I need to do to a shelf in the freezer.

[@ultimatehandyman]

You are welcome Thanks for the comment

[@garrygibbons2989]

the white plastic insert that shelf slides into came off the door how would you recommend repairing that super glue or epoxy ?

[@ultimatehandyman]

I think epoxy would probably be the best option 👍

[@WitsEnds]

Hi there, this just happened to me with my fridge. Did you manage to fix it and if so how did you do it? Thanks

[@fuZzZFiA]

Thanks - I hate that these things break so fast! What would it take for them to be made better? I will try this thanks for posting it - makes perfect sense!

[@ultimatehandyman]

I'm afraid they make things to throw away these days, which is why white good are so inexpensive. When I was a kid we even used to put new electric elements in kettles, as electric kettles used to be very expensive. Now you can buy a brand new kettle for £10 Thanks for the comment 👍

[@lndlcy]

Can you show us how to repair the strut that the shelf sits on. Our fridge shelf's fine but the bit that it slots onto fell off. Loved the video though esp the cardboard door great idea and had to laugh that you didn't clean the rest of the fridge door just the bit you needed.😂 But great video

[@ultimatehandyman]

You might struggle repairing one of the shelf supports on the inside, perhaps you could get a piece of thick white plastic and use that to support the shelf, such as 8mm thick acrylic sheet If you try to use any kind of adhesive in the fridge itself, I don't think it will work due to the temperature. I refuse to clean the fridge, as it belongs to the girlfriend 😂 Best of luck with it 👍

[@hayel2015]

Fantastic 👍👍👍

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment ;-)

[@TriggerKitty307]

Excellent. Thank you 🙏!

[@ultimatehandyman]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for the comment 👍

[@stevenmurata4392]

Great fix plus we now have a way to replace a broken door, lol.

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment

[@ahmed0akbar]

Good job. Thanks

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment

[@NOWThatsRichy]

I had a similar type shelf break like that a few years ago but considering the fridge was about 16 years old, i just fitted it back with 4 self tapping screws it done the job OK, the fridge broke down the next year so had to be replaced anyway!

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment ;-)

[@heavydiesel]

Had the bottom shelf fall off ours, Its held in now with a piece of m10 threaded nylon and nuts, had to file them to match the profile of the door liner.

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment

[@johncutler7651]

Brilliant! Thanks for the video.

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment

[@derekt7606]

Nice repair. I had the same problem and ended up paying £20 ish for a new bottom shelf.

[@ultimatehandyman]

Yes, they seem to vary between £20 and £30 + post and packing (when I looked), but it was not simple finding the correct shelf (unless you have the model number of the fridge/freezer) Thanks for the comment ;-)

[@JasonDunlop247]

A fine job as per.....

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment

[@ondrejjanovec6700]

Good job.

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment

[@flat-earther]

Awesome fix but what about living without a refrigerator like we have thousands of years also save in electric bill. thumbs up!

[@ultimatehandyman]

I don't think my girlfriend would be happy about that ;-) Thanks for the comment

[@Chris-mn7yy]

good to see plenty of beer in the fridge.

[@ultimatehandyman]

Absolutely, my sister had those left over from a party- so it was a shame to let them go to waste ;-) Thanks for the comment

[@RagsdaleCreek]

👍 Watching in Alabama!

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment

[@ratchriat1716]

enjoyed the video

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comments

[@SuperWayneyb]

👍🤓👍 Great video as always

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks Wayne ;-)

[@gustavcarlsson6090]

I used super glue and baking soda on mine and it creates a seam. It's not super pretty but holds well and I can still remove it and clean it when I need to

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment

[@herrlip72]

one of the shelf holders have snapped off from the door on mine, any tips for that?

[@ultimatehandyman]

You should be able to repair it in a similar way, just make sure you keep the door open until the grab adhesive cures. Or you could try gluing it using a hot melt glue gun 👍

[@lazylad9064]

Sticky tape, cardboard it's just like blue Peter.😁😁😁👍👍

[@ultimatehandyman]

Absolutely ;-) Thanks for the comments

[@kikiandgigi9585]

Omg I did that to my fridge lol

[@MegaMetinMetin]

Better than new

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment

[@josephine2214]

Could I ask I have a shelf snapped off but it has took off the sides also so I can’t put new shelf up if anyway I can build up and make some and then get new shelf please

[@ultimatehandyman]

It should be possible, as long as you use a suitable grab adhesive, perhaps even epoxy adhesive and some suitable pieces of plastic 👍

[@wifi779]

Thanks

[@ultimatehandyman]

You are welcome Thanks for the comment

[@andrewdavies1312]

Now you need to do the same with 8 different fridges to see which one is strongest lol

[@ultimatehandyman]

LOL

[@danielwright14]

Hey mate, thanks for the video. I have a similar problem however the part on the side that connects to the door completely broke off. Tried finding the part online but it is no longer offered. Any way to fix this do you think?

[@ultimatehandyman]

Not sure which part you mean, but can you not glue it like I did in this video? It's really hard finding parts for older fridges (I think they want you to buy a new one) Thanks for the comment 👍

[@janjuag]

I have same issue with Milk bottle shelf. Can you advise some other brand/make of adhesive which are available at toolstation or screwfix as Adiseal isn't available there. What about CT1 or EB25? Thanks in advance

[@ultimatehandyman]

I think CT1 would be ok 👍 It's a shame that the Adiseal is not more widely available! My shelf is still fixed firmly, despite often having 1.5 L fruit juice cartons balanced on the top of the shelf!

[@sabrinarose5777]

Can you repair a rip in the metal on the outside side of refrigerator that was from moving?

[@ultimatehandyman]

You might be able to! I'd treat it like a vehicle and use car body filler, then sand and paint it. The only problem is that you might have to paint the whole damaged panel! Thanks for the comment 👍

[@WitsEnds]

Hi, see those shelf supports on either side of the fridge at 2:22? One of mine just broke off as I went to take something from the shelf. Is there any way I can repair it?

[@ultimatehandyman]

You should be able to glue it back using some epoxy glue. Just do the same as I did with the cleaning and cardboard etc. epoxy normally sets after about 10 minutes, so if you give it 30 minutes just to be sure 👍

[@WitsEnds]

@@ultimatehandyman thanks for the reply, I will give epoxy a try

[@mrcynical9368]

Ah so! Great warrior

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment

[@Pantotsm]

Its not the "milk" shelf itself that has broken but the nodule it clips onto on the actual fridge door. It has snapped off on the left hand side. Caple R1735 model. Any tips? Thanks.

[@ultimatehandyman]

I'd just try sticking it back, like I did in this video. It should work ;-) It's a while since I made this video and the shelf is still holding up. Thanks for the comment

[@Pantotsm]

@@ultimatehandyman thanks for that, I will have a go :)

[@GabrielKnightz]

I wonder if you've tried the Super Glue (any Cyanoacrylates) along with baking soda, they tend to hold up pretty well. Just sharing a thought.

[@ultimatehandyman]

I've tried Supabond, which is a cyanoacrylate, with a filler powder on such plastics but the repair did not last long. I've never tried baking soda though, but I will in future. Thanks for the comment

[@GabrielKnightz]

Make sure you do a test run on something else though, baking soda acts like a catalyst and the glue sets almost immediately (absolutely no idea how the chemistry works) creating a concrete-esque body. Not the prettiest thing but it works. Happy to help :)

[@AdamAdam-zi3lf]

I like video, and how you demonstrate fixes possible for the general householder. However, I think its worth pointing out, the reason the shelves were made removable is for ease of cleaning, in a food area where bacteria must not be allowed to remain. I think sometimes £30 is worth paying for health and sanitary reasons.

[@ultimatehandyman]

@ Adam Adam I don't recall any of the fridge shelves being removed from the door for cleaning - ever. Thanks for the comment

[@gnarsick]

Can you use isopuryl alcohol(70-90%) for cleaning the door?

[@ultimatehandyman]

I have never used it, but I don't see why it would not work Thanks for the comment 👍

[@lazylad9064]

You need some beer in that fridge.

[@ultimatehandyman]

It was in the right hand side salad tray ;-)

[@zakcook3857]

Get what your saying and you have made a video out of it 👍 but you can’t take it with ya. Treat your self 👌

[@ultimatehandyman]

I can leave it to my kids though ;-)

[@raydavison2972]

Deliberately poor choice of material by the manufacturers to make sure you buy a new fridge before it should be necessary

[@ultimatehandyman]

I suppose you get what you pay for, and I guess they don't make things to last for ever. I'm not exactly sure how old the fridge is, but I've been with the girlfriend for 10 years, so it's at least that old. Thanks for the comment

[@raydavison2972]

@@ultimatehandyman It's perfectly possible to use a different, more appropriate material for a minimal on cost. Most modern stuff is junk, designed to be thrown away and ensure another purchase. My first washing machine lasted for 25 years (Not a premium brand) and the next one (Same brand) lasted three!

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the info ;-)

[@raydavison2972]

@@ultimatehandyman You're welcome

[@HometownUnicorn]

Speaking of fridges, my fridge has a problem the light works but only when the thermostat is on(cooling) so when you open the door the light does not come on but then it will comes on when the thermostat comes on. I've been racking my brain for this ages can't seem to find any answers on the internet.! Please help

[@ultimatehandyman]

Have you checked that the switch is working correctly, by pressing it in a few times? I've seen the switches get a bit sticky, so perhaps the vibration from when the fridge is cooling is freeing the switch.

[@Lefishn]

What the hell is Gaffer tape? Is that a UK thing?

[@ultimatehandyman]

Yes, it’s also known as duct tape or Duck tape

[@ratchriat1716]

how long took for the adhesive to cure.

[@ultimatehandyman]

I left it overnight, but it takes 24 hours to cure fully.

[@Mari-su3nv]

Adiseal costs almost as much as a new shelf

[@mrcynical9368]

How you gonna get the shelf out again to clean

[@ultimatehandyman]

You just wipe it in position. Thanks for the comment

[@bradlastname5761]

Why would you use a toxic adhesive in the fridge????

[@ultimatehandyman]

I'm sure all the plastics in the fridge are toxic- when they are uncured. Thanks for the comment

[@peteramberley9952]

Did the light go out ?

[@grahamefreestone5309]

Lol.

[@ultimatehandyman]

Yes, once the switch is taped up, the light won't come back on until the tape is removed. I know because it made it difficult finding my beer ;-) Thanks for the comment

[@peteramberley9952]

@@ultimatehandyman thanks youv cleared up a life long myth for me 🤗

[@girlsdrinkfeck]

@@ultimatehandyman any brit beer fanatic can sense the beer without the need of sight :P

[@justgivemethetruth]

@@ultimatehandyman I thought you guys didn't like cold beer over there? ;-)

[@mtrltoolman]

Isn't that a clear silicone?

[@ultimatehandyman]

No, it's a ultra clear adhesive, but looks like silicone. Thanks for the comment

[@dreadlysmellybum]

You can buy them new on eBay fairly cheap

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment

[@lnblacksc]

The one for my fridge costs 110 dollars! I scoured the internet, including eBay to find a cheaper one. Mine is just an odd size.

[@eponymousIme]

If the door needed to be warmer before you worked on the repair, why didn't you just heat it up with a hair dryer to raise the temperature?

[@ultimatehandyman]

I didn't open the door and then stand there for two hours- I do have other things to do 😉 Thanks for the comment 👍

[@IsaKocoglu]

What about the smell?

[@ultimatehandyman]

The adhesive does not smell, once it has cured. Thanks for the comment 👍

[@adelaideinvigilation5230]

wow milk supplied in glass bottles

[@ultimatehandyman]

Yes, our local milk woman still uses glass bottles Thanks for the comment 👍

[@cypeman8037]

Great job, I wouldn't have put that last bead in place, you may get trapped food behind it that would have otherwise fallen through.

[@ultimatehandyman]

It'll be fine. We only use that shelf for jars etc. Thanks for the comment

[@orangeziggy348]

We are fixing what Home Depot and Lowe's should have serviced us for free.

[@ultimatehandyman]

🤔

[@sbaxter4207]

Zuul.

[@MegaMetinMetin]

Whats the bra d

[@ultimatehandyman]

I used Adiseal ultra clear this time, but the first time I used Nemesis mighty grab adhesive from Screwfix Thanks for the comment

[@DannyWalker1949]

NICE JOB on the Repair........BUT, You scared the hell out of me when you put on that Glove and used you're Middle Finger to smooth out the Adhesive.....I THOUGHT YOU WAS GONNA TRY TO BE MY DOCTOR👉🏼®=RECTUM 👎🏼

[@ultimatehandyman]

LOL Thanks for the comment

[@girlsdrinkfeck]

as for the fridge being open during repair ,it is shocking how much supermarkets waste on energy ( because throughout the day and night lot of shops fridges are open air with no doors or their blinds have broken or never put in place ) the compressors are working 24/7 ,its so sad and such a waste of electricity

[@ultimatehandyman]

I can imagine it being a waste. I remember Kwik save years ago, they used to have curtains on the in and out side of the walk through refrigerator. Thanks for the comment

[@girlsdrinkfeck]

@@ultimatehandyman yes im more on about the actual retail fridges on the shop floor ,in morrisons they are open access fridges not doored ones ,but i think the ones in my stores r gonna be replaced with all doored ones this yeare :)

[@roybatty4687]

Just get a new fridge, not worth it.

[@ultimatehandyman]

Not everybody can go out and buy a new fridge when the shelf breaks in it. What's it like being a millionaire? Thanks for the comment

[@girlsdrinkfeck]

damn plastic crap ! :P

[@zakcook3857]

Just get a new fridge man 🤣

[@ultimatehandyman]

I prefer to save my money for the future, which is why I drive around in a van that is worth less than £1000 ;-) Thanks for the comment

[@iityiwhtsy]

Better off buying a second hand door shelf from FB market place than wasting your time doing a bodge repair like this 👎🏽

[@ultimatehandyman]

Yeah, like I just love wasting my time searching for a shelf! This is a permanent repair, that almost anybody can do.

[@lnblacksc]

My fridge is an odd size ( small for Apartment) couldn't find cheap replacement anywhere!