How to Install Refrigerator Screw 241710601 in a Kenmore Refrigerator
Quick answer: Identify the loose bracket, cover or shelf support the screw belongs to, hold that part flat in position, and start screw 241710601 by hand into the existing hole in the Kenmore refrigerator liner. Drive it until the part is firm, stop before the plastic strips, and confirm nothing rattles or binds.
Screw 241710601 is a general-purpose fastener used throughout Kenmore refrigerators built by Frigidaire and Electrolux. Depending on the model it holds items such as shelf supports, drawer covers, light lenses, trim pieces and small brackets inside the fresh food and freezer compartments. Our fitment data lists it for 516 models, including EI23BC56IW2, EW28BS71IB4, FRS26ZRGB7 and 25355694403. Because it is shared across so many locations, the manufacturer does not tie it to a single component, and neither does this guide.
That means the first job is figuring out where your screw goes. Most people order 241710601 because a screw fell out, a part is dangling on one fastener, or the original stripped when they were reassembling something after cleaning. The steps below show how to confirm the screw matches the empty hole, how to drive it into the plastic liner or sheet metal without stripping it, and how to check that the part it holds is properly seated afterward.
See part details and every compatible model: 241710601
- You do not need to unplug the refrigerator unless the screw holds a light fixture, fan cover or any part with wiring behind it; in those cases unplug it first.
- Keep the door open for as little time as possible so the compartment stays cold.
- Do not force a screw into a cracked plastic boss; a split liner cannot be repaired.
- Keep loose screws away from children and out of the drain trough at the back of the compartment.
Tools and Parts You Need
- Phillips screwdriver or driver bit that fits the screw head snugly
- Flashlight
- Small magnet or a bit of tape on the driver tip to hold the screw
- Soft cloth to clean the mounting area
- The original screw or a photo of it for comparison
Step-by-Step Installation
- Identify the mounting point Find the part that is loose or missing its screw. Common spots are shelf support brackets on the liner walls, drawer cover trim, light lens tabs and small brackets in the freezer.
- Compare the screw Hold 241710601 next to the remaining screws on the same part, or to the one you removed. Thread, length and head style should match. If the neighbors look different, the empty hole may take a different screw.
- Unplug if wiring is involved If the part covers a light socket, fan or any wiring, unplug the refrigerator before removing or fitting the cover.
- Clean and inspect the hole Wipe the area with a soft cloth and shine a light into the hole. Check for a broken screw tip inside and for cracks around the boss or hole.
- Position the part Hold the bracket, cover or support flat against its mounting surface with any locating pegs or tabs in place, so the screw hole lines up without pulling the part into position.
- Start the screw by hand Set the screw on the driver tip, held by a magnet or tape, and turn it in by hand until it follows the existing thread. It should turn smoothly with light resistance.
- Drive it snug Tighten until the part no longer moves and the head seats against it. Stop there. Plastic bosses and thin sheet metal strip quickly under extra force.
- Check the result Push on the part from several directions. It should be firm, sit flush with neighboring parts and not rattle. Refit any shelf or drawer you removed and confirm it moves normally.
Fit Checks Before You Call the Job Done
- The screw follows the existing thread by hand without forcing.
- The head seats flat against the part with no gap and no tilt.
- The part is firm and flush with the surrounding liner or trim.
- Any shelf, drawer or cover that depends on the part sits level and operates normally.
- No cracking sound was heard from the boss while tightening.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overtightening The most common way to ruin a refrigerator screw hole. Snug is done.
Guessing the location This screw is used in many places. Match it to the other screws on the same part before driving it.
Cross-threading a plastic boss Starting the screw at an angle cuts a new thread and destroys the old one. Start it straight and by hand.
Using a longer generic screw A longer screw can pierce the liner into the insulation or hit a refrigerant line in the cabinet wall.
Dropping the screw into the drain trough A screw in the defrost drain blocks it and causes water under the crisper drawers. Use a magnet or tape to hold it.
Troubleshooting After Installation
Screw spins and does not tighten The boss or hole is stripped. Pack the hole with a sliver of plastic or use a small thread repair insert, then start the screw again by hand.
Screw will not start There is debris or a broken tip in the hole, or you have the wrong hole. Clear it and compare the screw to its neighbors.
Part still loose after tightening A second screw on the same part is also missing or loose, or the part is not on its locating pegs. Check every fastener on the part.
Cracking sound while tightening Stop at once. Back the screw off a quarter turn. A slightly loose part is far better than a cracked liner.
Care Tips After the Repair
- Check shelf and drawer brackets for tightness once a year.
- Remove shelves and drawers straight out rather than levering them, which is what loosens their screws.
- Keep spare screws in a labeled bag taped inside the cabinet toe grille so they are on hand.
- Clean the mounting areas when you clean the interior so grit does not work into the threads.
Compatible Models (Sample)
This part is listed for 516 Kenmore models in our fitment data. Always confirm your exact model number on the appliance's rating plate.
Repair Difficulty and Time
Difficulty: Easy. Typical time: 5 to 15 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does screw 241710601 go in my refrigerator?
It is used at several locations depending on the model, including shelf supports, covers and small brackets. Match it to the other screws on the loose part; if they look the same, you have the right one.
Which models use 241710601?
Our fitment data lists 516 Frigidaire, Electrolux and Kenmore models, including EI23BC56IB6, EI23BC56IB1 and FRS26ZRGB7. Confirm your model number on the label inside the fresh food compartment.
Do I need to unplug the refrigerator?
Only if the screw holds a light lens, fan cover or any part with wiring behind it. For shelf brackets and trim, no.
Final Checklist
- Loose part and its empty screw hole identified
- 241710601 compared to neighboring screws
- Refrigerator unplugged if wiring is behind the part
- Hole cleaned and boss checked for cracks
- Part held flat on its locating pegs
- Screw started by hand and driven just snug
- Part firm and flush, shelf or drawer working normally