# What is this thing attached to my built in microwave? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [September 26, 2024, 12:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-thing-attached-to-my-built-in-microwave/1007726 "2024-09-26T00:13:14Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 12\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![RitterSport](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rittersport/32/6326_2.png) [@RitterSport](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RitterSport)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2024, 2:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-thing-attached-to-my-built-in-microwave/1007726/41 "2024-09-27T02:20:29Z")
> [@DavidNRockies](#): > > Other than the door latch, I’m not clear what problem, if any, you’re trying to solve. If I can’t fix the door latch, I was thinking I could get another microwave that could fit in the same frame. I don’t want to have to buy another built-in, starting at like $1,100. ---
**Author:** ![DavidNRockies](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidnrockies/32/6279_2.png) [@DavidNRockies](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DavidNRockies)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2024, 12:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-thing-attached-to-my-built-in-microwave/1007726/42 "2024-09-27T12:03:10Z")
[**14:00 YouTube video**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xbQZ57fQPek). Not your exact model, but it may very well match your problem. But so could a sticky latch mechanism … to be clear. If so, you have to determine whether the labor is within your DIY capabilities, and/or if you have any interest whatsoever in doing this kind of fix yourself. If you want to just replace the MW (I haven’t looked), you just need something sized to fit in your existing cabinet. If you don’t have a duct to the exterior (ie, _outside of_ your house), then you just need a model that can duct to your kitchen. If a new MW doesn’t come already configured that way, it wouldn’t be a difficult thing to change by yourself. But it’s also a very simple handyman task – probably either way (repair/replace). ---
**Author:** ![RitterSport](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rittersport/32/6326_2.png) [@RitterSport](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RitterSport)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2024, 12:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-thing-attached-to-my-built-in-microwave/1007726/43 "2024-09-27T12:07:31Z")
Thanks! I’ll take a look, and I also just found a great handyman. ---
**Author:** ![RitterSport](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rittersport/32/6326_2.png) [@RitterSport](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RitterSport)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2024, 1:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-thing-attached-to-my-built-in-microwave/1007726/44 "2024-09-27T13:53:41Z")
> [@RitterSport](#): > > KCMS1555SSS OK, here’s the door lever part that is probably broken, according to that video: [https://www.appliancefactoryparts.com/search/part/343097/126424/](https://www.appliancefactoryparts.com/search/part/343097/126424/) I’ll open the unit up first to verify that’s what’s missing. How do I know what size tamper-resistant torx driver to buy? ---
**Author:** ![Marvin\_the\_Martian](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/marvin_the_martian/32/2898_2.png) [@Marvin\_the\_Martian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marvin_the_Martian)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2024, 2:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-thing-attached-to-my-built-in-microwave/1007726/45 "2024-09-27T14:04:44Z")
If you can’t fix it, most microwave manufacturers sell trime kits for converting countertop microwaves to built-in. Google “built in microwave trim kits”. Might be cheaper than restricting yourself to microwaves already prepped for built-in. ---
**Author:** ![DavidNRockies](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidnrockies/32/6279_2.png) [@DavidNRockies](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DavidNRockies)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2024, 2:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-thing-attached-to-my-built-in-microwave/1007726/46 "2024-09-27T14:13:30Z")
It’s quite likely going to be a T-15 or a T-20, but I’d bet you a quatloo that it’s one of these: > **[Torx Bit Set with 1/4 inch Magnetic Bit Driver,TEKPREM 12-Piece Security Torx...](https://www.amazon.com/Magnetic-TEKPREM-12-Piece-Screwdriver-Resistant/dp/B0B3HZWSJ9)** > > Torx Bit Set with 1/4 inch Magnetic Bit Driver,TEKPREM 12-Piece Security Torx Screwdriver Bit Set with 1 inch T5 T6 T7 T8 T9 T10 T15 T20 T25 T27 T30 T40 Tamper Resistant - Amazon.com ---
**Author:** ![RitterSport](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rittersport/32/6326_2.png) [@RitterSport](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RitterSport)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2024, 2:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-thing-attached-to-my-built-in-microwave/1007726/47 "2024-09-27T14:14:55Z")
Thanks! ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2024, 3:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-thing-attached-to-my-built-in-microwave/1007726/48 "2024-09-27T15:00:18Z")
> [@Marvin\_the\_Martian](#): > > If you can’t fix it, most microwave manufacturers sell trime kits for converting countertop microwaves to built-in. Google “built in microwave trim kits”. Might be cheaper than restricting yourself to microwaves already prepped for built-in. In fact, Googling the model microwave you said you have, it appears to be a countertop model that’s been adapted for built in installation. Any counter top model might work as long as you pay attention to the venting requirements (making sure there is sufficient room behind and to the sides). ---
**Author:** ![RitterSport](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rittersport/32/6326_2.png) [@RitterSport](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RitterSport)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2024, 3:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-thing-attached-to-my-built-in-microwave/1007726/49 "2024-09-27T15:01:02Z")
Yeah, I think that will be my backup plan. ---
**Author:** ![RitterSport](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rittersport/32/6326_2.png) [@RitterSport](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RitterSport)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2024, 10:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-thing-attached-to-my-built-in-microwave/1007726/50 "2024-10-05T10:50:51Z")
Just to close this out, I borrowed a tamper-resistant-defeating Torx driver from a friend, ordered the part. Came in yesterday and I was able to install it without further damage to myself or the microwave, and it’s all back in place and working again. Thanks, everyone, for the help! Saved me either over $1000 or an argument with my wife about why we don’t need another build-in microwave. ---
**Author:** ![hajario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hajario/32/171_2.png) [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2024, 12:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-thing-attached-to-my-built-in-microwave/1007726/51 "2024-10-05T12:56:00Z")
I love a happy ending ---
**Author:** ![gnoitall](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/bb73d2/32.png) [@gnoitall](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gnoitall)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2024, 2:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-thing-attached-to-my-built-in-microwave/1007726/52 "2024-10-05T14:47:12Z")
> [@RitterSport](#): > > and it’s all back in place and working again. _Appliance manufacturers hated that_ [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-thing-attached-to-my-built-in-microwave/1007726.md?page=2)