For most of us, the garage refrigerator is in less than great shape. For myself, and everyone I know, the garage fridge is simply what happens when the kitchen refrigerator gets replaced. Instead of throwing it away, we make it a big beverage cooler.
While one of the most valuable tools in my garage on a hot day, mine looked pretty bad. It had some scratches, way too many stickers, and worst of all, it looked like an old refrigerator. Justifying a new unit just to hold Diet Cokes didn't make sense, but the Cool Tool Kit did. For about $100 (depending on the size of your refrigerator) and a solid day of time, you can turn that beat up off-white eyesore into an eye catching rollaway toolbox look-alike.
We took a number of shortcuts in our assembly and found that if we had followed the detailed instructions to the letter, we would have been happier. But for as many corners as we cut, the Cool Tool Kit sure makes a huge difference.
The kit includes everything...
The kit includes everything you need to transform your scratched, ugly garage refrigerator into the envy of all your friends.
Following the instructions,...
Following the instructions, we measured the doors and noted their sizes in the included chart.
We transferred the measurements...
We transferred the measurements to the door panels, then used a straightedge to trim them to the appropriate size.
You may need to cut both vertically...
You may need to cut both vertically and horizontally. Instead of trying to cut through the panel, make a good clean score with a razor and bend it until it breaks off. The chrome moldings simply required one hard press of the razor to cut through.
We removed all the door handles...
We removed all the door handles and trim. If there are any exposed holes, drill them out with a 1/4-inch bit and insert the included plastic plugs.
The instructions call for...
The instructions call for a thorough cleaning of the door surfaces with soap and water. We chose solvent and a rag. Next, using the supplied fine-grade sandpaper, we scuffed the entire surface of the refrigerator, then wiped it down with a damp rag to remove the dust.
We ran a strip of masking...
We ran a strip of masking tape around all the edges of the doors where the seal made contact.
The Cool Tool Kit includes...
The Cool Tool Kit includes faux box handles and a roll around pushbar that attach with double-face tape. We marked our installation and placed the double-face tape at this point.
Be careful opening the roller,...
Be careful opening the roller, because the package doubles as the paint tray.
We applied a complete coat...
We applied a complete coat to the refrigerator and allowed two to four hours drying time. Note: Do take the time to remove any stickers on your refrigerator, it will look better when you are done. We were just lazy.
With just one coat, you can...
With just one coat, you can see how the transformation started to take place.
Using the supplied foam brush,...
Using the supplied foam brush, we touched up all the small, hard-to-reach places.
Installing the door panels...
Installing the door panels is as simple as applying the double face tape...
...and positioning it on the...
...and positioning it on the door.
We put the handles in pla...
We put the handles in place...
...and stood back to enjoy...
...and stood back to enjoy the new look. The Cool Tool Kit is a great way to spend a day in the garage.