Changing the installation location of the refrigerator often requires changing the direction of opening the door. The issue is especially relevant for owners of kitchens with a non-standard layout or narrow passages. The brand Indesit provides this option in most of its models, but the process requires care and adherence to the sequence of actions.
Incorrect reinstallation can lead to distortion of the canvas, loss of tightness or damage to the fittings. It is important to understand that the design of different series may differ: in some cases hidden hinges are used, and in others - overhead fastening elements. Before starting work, you need to make sure that you have free space and suitable tools.
In this article we will analyze a universal algorithm of actions applicable to most models of refrigeration equipment of this brand. You will learn how to safely dismantle fittings, move handles and correctly adjust the position of the sash after installation. Compliance with the technology will allow you to avoid problems with closing in the future.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
To perform the task of flipping the door efficiently, you will need a basic set of a home craftsman. The main tool will be hex wrench, the size of which usually corresponds to the hinge mounting screws. You also cannot do without a Phillips screwdriver for removing handles and decorative plugs.
In addition to the main tool, prepare masking tape or a soft rag. This is necessary to protect the glossy surfaces of the case from scratches during operation. It is better to cover the floor at the operation site with cardboard or thick fabric so that accidentally falling parts do not damage the floor covering.
- 🔧 Hex key (often a size of 4 mm or 5 mm is required)
- 🪛 Phillips screwdriver (PH2) for handle screws
- 🧣 Soft cloth or towel for placing under the door
- 🧊 Plastic spatula for removing plugs (optional)
Be sure to clear space in front of the refrigerator. You need to ensure access to the unit from all sides, since you will have to walk around it during operation. Remove all foreign objects that may interfere with maneuvers with a heavy door leaf.
Dismantling the top hinge and removing the door
The first step is always working with the upper part of the structure. Do not try to unscrew the lower elements immediately - this will cause the heavy sash to fall. First you need to remove the top decorative cover, if it is provided by the design of your model Indesit.
Use a hexagon to loosen the top hinge mounting bolts. Do not unscrew them completely at once, just loosen the tension. After this, carefully lift the loop up, removing it from the pin, and set it aside. Now the door is supported only by the lower hinge.
⚠️ Attention: Before removing the door, be sure to ask an assistant to hold it. The weight of the door is heavy, and a fall could damage the bottom hinge or break the floor.
After removing the top fasteners, carefully lift the door up to release the bottom rotation axis. In some models, the lower hinge can be secured with a stopper, which must first be removed. Place the removed door on a prepared soft surface with the outer side down.
☑️ Preparing to remove the door
Rearranging the handles and plugs on the body
The most time-consuming stage is the transfer of controls and decor. Handles on refrigerators Indesit can be attached to screws from the inside or snapped on the outside. In the first case, access to the fasteners opens only after removing the door.
Unscrew the screws holding the handle and carefully remove the element. There will be holes in the vacated space that need to be closed with plastic plugs. These plugs are initially located on the opposite side of the body from where you will install the handle.
Use a thin screwdriver or plastic spatula to remove the plugs. Be careful not to scratch the metal. Install the plugs into the vacated holes on the side where the handle used to be. Now you can mount the handle in a new place using standard fasteners.
- 🖐️ Remove the handle from the door by unscrewing the screws from the inside
- 🕳️ Remove the plastic plugs from the new side of the installation
- 🔩 Install the plugs in the old holes from handles
- 🔨 Fix the handle in the new place with screws
Often owners forget about vertical decorative strips or logos if they are located asymmetrically. Check whether any branding elements or additional pads need to be moved so that the appearance of the unit remains symmetrical.
Modification of the lower support part
The lower part of the refrigerator requires special attention, since this is where the rotation axis changes. Depending on the model Indesit, the lower support may be symmetrical or require repositioning the pin. If the pin is installed on only one side, it must be rearranged.
To do this, unscrew the lower support bushing. Inside you will see a threaded hole for the pin on the opposite side. Move the metal pin (pin) to the new side and securely fix the bushing.
What to do if the pin is rusty?
If the lower pin does not unscrew due to corrosion, do not use excessive force so as not to strip the threads in the body. Treat the connection with a penetrating lubricant (for example, WD-40) and leave it for 15-20 minutes. After the oxides have soaked, the pin should. unscrew with a standard key.
In some cases, it may be necessary to relocate the plastic stop or opening limiter. This element is located in the base part of the unit. Move it to the opposite side according to the holes in the body so that the door does not open too wide and does not hit the wall.
| Element | Action | Tool | Nuance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lower bushing | Repositioning the pin | Hexagon | Lubricate the thread |
| Limiter | Dismantling and installation | Screwdriver | Take care of the clamps |
| Plinth decor | Removing the plugs | Knife/Spatula | Do not damage the plastic |
| Legs | Height adjustment | Key/Manually | To roll back |
Installing the door and installing the upper hinge
After preparing the lower support and moving the handles, you can begin installing the door. Lift the door and carefully place the lower hinge hole on the previously installed pin. Make sure that the door is level and rotates freely around itself. axis.
Now you need to fix the upper part. Attach the upper hinge to the body and the hole in the end of the door. Insert the fastening bolts, but do not tighten them until they stop.
⚠️ Attention: Do not tighten the upper bolts “all the way” at first. make sure that the door is level and the gap around the perimeter is the same.
Tighten the top hinge bolts with a hex key. Check the tightness of the seal around the entire perimeter. If you notice a distortion, slightly loosen the fasteners and adjust the position of the door, then repeat the tightening. data-i="113">To fine-tune the gaps, use a level, applying it to the end of the open door. This will help to set the vertical with an accuracy of a millimeter.
Adjustment and checking the tightness
The final stage is checking the quality of the work done. After installing the door on the new side, you need to make sure that the door closes tightly. without gaps, and the magnetic seal must adhere to the body along the entire contour.
Carry out a visual inspection of the gaps between the door and the body. They should be uniform from top to bottom. If the bottom of the door does not fit tightly, you may need to unscrew the front adjustable legs of the refrigerator a little to create a slight obstruction of the body back.
- 🚪 Check the ease of opening and closing
- 🧲 Make sure the magnetic tape fits snugly
- 📏 Assess the uniformity of the side gaps
- 🏗️ Check the stability of the refrigerator on the floor
To check the tightness, you can use a simple test with a sheet of paper. Clamp the sheet with the door in different places around the perimeter. If the paper is pulled out with force, the seal is normal. If the sheet falls out or is pulled out too easily, additional adjustment of the hinges is required.
Common mistakes when re-hanging
When doing work on their own, beginners often make common mistakes. One of the most common is the loss of fasteners. Small screws and pins can easily roll under the refrigerator or fly into the crack. It is recommended to use a magnetic tray or jar to fold all the parts.
Another mistake is ignoring the instructions for a specific model Indesit. The design of loops in different series (for example, Indesit DF or BIA) may have its own characteristics. Attempting to apply force where a specific approach is needed will result in broken plastic or stripped threads.
⚠️ Attention: If you feel strong resistance when dismantling, stop. Perhaps you are trying to unscrew the wrong screw or forgot to remove the hidden fastener.
It is also important not to forget about electrical safety. Although we are working with mechanical parts, the refrigerator must be unplugged to avoid accidental activation of the compressor or damage to the wiring running through the hinges in some models with displays.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging it?
Complete defrosting is not necessary if you act quickly. However, if there is a lot of ice in the freezer, it is better to wait until it thaws so that water does not pour out when the unit is tilted. Also, empty shelves are easier to remove and wash.
Is it possible to hang the door by one person?
Technically this is possible, but it is highly not recommended. The refrigerator door is heavy and awkward. Without an assistant, there is a high risk of dropping it, damaging the floor or getting injured. Always involve a second person for insurance.
What to do if, after rehanging, the door does not close tightly?
Most likely, the installation geometry is broken. Check whether the refrigerator itself is level (adjusting the legs). Then loosen the top hinge and try to move the door left and right or up and down, achieving an even fit of the seal.
Will the warranty remain valid after re-hanging it yourself?
The procedure of re-hanging the door itself is a standard operation described in the manual. However, if you break the hinge or scratch the case in the process, the warranty will not apply to that damage. Proceed carefully.
Where should the wiring go if there is a display on the door?
In models with electronics on the door, the wiring usually runs through the top hinge. When rehanging, you must carefully disconnect the connectors, transfer the harness through a new hole in the case (if there is one) or use the provided channels, and reconnect the plugs.