Rearranging furniture or moving to a new kitchen often present us with unexpected technical challenges, one of which is changing the direction in which the refrigerator door opens. The standard factory configuration is for the handle to be on the right and the hinges on the left, but the layout of the room may dictate its conditions. In such situations, there is an urgent need to unfold the front part of the unit in order to provide convenient access to products and not block the passage in the kitchen.
The process of hanging doors is a very real operation that can be performed independently, without resorting to the services of expensive craftsmen. However, it is important to understand that the design of different models may differ significantly, and there is no universal instruction “for everyone”. However, the general algorithm of actions, set of tools and key principles remain similar for most modern household appliances.
Before taking active steps, you need to make sure that the procedure is appropriate and that there is free space for maneuvers around the equipment. Improper preparation or ignoring the features of a particular model can lead to damage to the seals, loss of tightness or breakage of fasteners. Careful study of the design and sequential implementation of steps guarantee a successful result.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
The beginning of any technical work requires careful preparation, and rehanging the door is no exception. You will need a set of basic tools that are usually in the arsenal of any home craftsman. The main tool will be screwdriver or a set of screwdrivers with different slots, since the mounting screws can have different head shapes.
In addition, it will not be amiss to prepare a building level to check the horizontal installation after completion of the work. Sometimes wrench or a set of heads is required if the hinge bolts are too tight. To protect the floor covering and the unit itself from scratches during manipulations, it is recommended to use thick cardboard or soft rags.
⚠️ Attention! Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the electrical outlet. This is critical for safety, as you will be working with metal parts that could accidentally short out contacts or damage wiring.
Create space around the refrigerator, ensuring it is accessible from all sides. Remove all foreign objects, rugs and furniture so that nothing prevents you from walking around the unit. If there is food in the freezer or main compartment, it is better to temporarily remove it or move it to another cold place to reduce the load on the doors and make them easier to dismantle.
Design assessment: possibility of reversing
Not all refrigerator models allow you to change the side of door opening. Before disassembling the unit, you must carefully study its design and technical documentation. Modern two-chamber refrigerators most often provide this possibility, while older single-chamber models or devices with a system No Frost of complex architecture may not have corresponding holes on the opposite side of the case.
Carefully inspect the end of the door and the side wall of the case. If there are hidden holes on the opposite side from the current hinges, closed with decorative plugs, then re-hanging is possible. These holes are intended for installing hinges in a new position. If the metal surface is smooth and does not have any signs of technological holes, then changing the opening side will not be possible without serious modernization, which is not recommended.
Particular attention should be paid to models with displays on the door or system Ice Maker. In such cases, electrical wires or water supply hoses may pass through the door. Re-hanging such doors requires disconnecting communications, which can be difficult to do without special skills and can lead to loss of warranty.
- 🔍 Check for threaded holes on the opposite side of the refrigerator body.
- 🔍 Make sure the door handles are symmetrical or can be moved to the other side.
- 🔍 Study manufacturer's instructions for prohibitions or restrictions on overhanging.
- 🔍 Check whether electrical cables or tubes pass through the door.
If you find that your model belongs to the category of “American” Side-by-Side refrigerators, then the procedure may be even more complicated. In such units, one of the doors is often stationary or has a complex locking mechanism system that cannot be dismantled without affecting functionality. In case of doubt, it is better to contact an authorized service center.
Removing the top panel and door
The disassembly process begins from the top of the refrigerator. In most models, this is where the main load-bearing hinge is located, which supports the weight of the entire door. First you need to remove the decorative cover of the top panel, if there is one. It is usually secured with latches or a pair of screws that need to be carefully unscrewed.
After accessing the top hinge, it should be secured so that it does not fall. Carefully remove the mounting bolts holding the hinge in place. You may need a helper at this stage as the refrigerator door is heavy and can tilt sharply when the top fastener is released. Hold the door with one hand while you operate the tool with the other.
After removing the top hinge, carefully lift the door to disengage it from the bottom hinge. Do not make sudden movements to avoid damaging the rubber seal or the kitchen floor. Place the removed door on a prepared soft surface with the outer side facing up so as not to scratch the facade.
Sequence of actions:1. Remove the top decorative panel.
2. Unscrew the bolts of the upper hinge.
3. Hold the door and remove it from the lower pin.
4. Place the door in a safe place.
Models where the top hinge is combined with the closing mechanism deserve special attention. In such cases, it is important not to lose the springs or locking balls, which may fall out during dismantling. It is better to carry out work on a spread cloth so that small parts do not roll under the refrigerator.
☑️ Safe dismantling
Rearranging the fittings and handles
After the door is removed, it is necessary to rearrange the fittings on it. First of all, this concerns the handle. If the model allows for the handle to be repositioned, then on the inside of the door you will find threaded holes. Carefully unscrew the handle and screw it on the opposite side, using the same fasteners.
Next, you should remove the hinges from the door itself. They are usually secured with 2-4 screws. After removing the hinges, move them to the opposite end of the door. It is important to use exactly those holes that were originally closed with plastic plugs. These plugs now need to be rearranged in place of the old holes in order to maintain an aesthetic appearance.
Sometimes there are models where the hinges are asymmetrical. In this case, you may need to turn the loop itself over or use special adapters included in the kit. Do not use excessive force when tightening the screws so as not to strip the threads in the aluminum door body.
⚠️ Attention! When moving the handle, make sure that it fits tightly and has no play. A poorly secured handle can come off at the most inopportune moment, which will lead to damage to the door or injury.
If the door has shelves that interfere with access to the fasteners or can fall out when turned over, it is better to temporarily remove them. This will also lighten the weight of the structure and reduce the risk of accidental breakage of glass or plastic.
Installing the door on a new side
When the fittings have been rearranged, you can begin installing the door in a new location. Start by installing the bottom support hinge onto the refrigerator body. Insert it into the prepared holes on the opposite side and tighten the mounting bolts securely. Make sure that the hinge is installed straight and not distorted.
Now carefully lift the door and place it on the lower hinge pin. This is the most crucial moment that requires precision. The door should snap into place without distortion. After this, install the top hinge on the body and screw it to the door. Do not tighten the bolts completely until you check the door movement.
Check the tightness of the seal around the entire perimeter. The door should close easily, with a characteristic bang, but without excessive force. If the door closes tightly or, conversely, does not hold with a magnet, you may need to adjust the height of the hinges.
| Element | Action | Tool | Nuance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bottom hinge | Attachment to the body | Wrench/Screwdriver | Tighten as tightly as possible |
| Door | Installation on a pin | Assistant | Keep an eye on the seal |
| Upper hinge | Fixing the position | Screwdriver | Do not tighten until adjustments |
| Plugs | Closing old holes | Hands | Install in the old place |
After initial installation, be sure to check the horizontalness of the door using a level. If the refrigerator is not level, the door may open or close spontaneously. Adjust the legs of the refrigerator to compensate for uneven floors.
What to do if the door is warped?
If you notice a warp after installation, do not panic. Loosen the top hinge mounting bolts slightly, align the door visually and level, then re-tighten the fastenings. Sometimes it is necessary to tighten the adjusting screws on the hinge itself, if they are provided for in the design.
Adjustment and leak testing
The final stage of the work is a thorough check of the quality of the operation performed. First of all, check the operation closerif it is in your model. The door should be brought to its end smoothly, without jerking. If the mechanism does not work correctly, the hinge may be installed too tightly or, conversely, has play.
Be sure to check the tightness of the seal. Take a sheet of paper, clamp it with the refrigerator door and try to pull it out. The paper should be pulled out with noticeable force. Walk this way around the entire perimeter of the door. If in some place the paper falls out freely, it means that the seal is broken there, and the cold will escape, causing the compressor to work harder.
Plug in the refrigerator and listen to its operation. In the first hours after re-hanging, there may be a little noisier operation due to the change in vibrations, but this should pass. If you hear a grinding or knocking sound, the door may be touching the body or adjacent furniture.
- 📄 Carry out a test with a sheet of paper along the entire perimeter of the seal.
- 👂 Listen to the absence of extraneous sounds when closing.
- 🌡️ Check the temperature inside the chamber after several hours of operation.
- 🚪 Make sure that the door does not open on its own when the body is tilted.
⚠️ Attention! If, after rehanging, the refrigerator door does not close tightly, food may spoil and ice may form on the walls of the chamber. Do not ignore even small gaps in the seal.
Common mistakes and advice from professionals
When doing work on their own, beginners often make common mistakes that can negate all their efforts. One of the most common is the loss of fasteners. Small screws and washers easily get lost in the carpet pile or roll under the baseboard. To avoid this, use a magnetic tray or jar to collect parts.
Another mistake is excessive force during dismantling. If something cannot be unscrewed, you should not use force straight through. Perhaps you are twisting in the wrong direction or have hit a hidden stopper. In such cases, it is better to study the diagram again or find video instructions specifically for your model Indesit, Atlant or LG.
Do not forget about cleanliness. While the door is removed, an excellent opportunity is to thoroughly wash the ends of the door and the seal areas where it is usually difficult to reach. Dirt and mold in these places can interfere with tight closure.
If you have a two-chamber refrigerator, remember that you need to hang the doors of the upper and lower chambers separately, following the sequence. Usually they start from the upper chamber, then move to the lower one, so as not to disturb the balancing of the entire unit.
Is it possible to rehang the door if there is a screen on it?
In most cases, no, or this requires calling a specialist. Cables pass through the door with the display, the length of which is designed for a standard position. When overhanging, the cable may not reach or twist, which will lead to broken contacts. In addition, you will need to reflash or reconfigure the control module.
What to do if the plug for the hole is lost?
If you have lost a decorative plug, the hole can be closed with any suitable plastic element in color and size, placing it on glue. You can also order original spare parts using the catalog number of the refrigerator. Leaving the hole open is not recommended due to the violation of thermal insulation and aesthetics.
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging?
Complete defrosting is not necessary if you work quickly. However, if you plan to wash the door or there is a risk of the unit tilting more than 40 degrees, it is better to turn it off in advance. Oil from the compressor getting into the cooling system during a strong tilt can damage the equipment.
Does overhanging affect the warranty?
According to the law, independently overhanging the door, as provided for by the design, should not void the warranty. However, if in the process you break the thread, break the glass or damage the seal, the service center has the right to refuse free repair of these specific components. Proceed carefully.
Why did a gap appear at the bottom after rehanging?
A gap at the bottom may appear if the bottom hinge is not fully installed or if the legs of the refrigerator are not adjusted in height. Also check to see if any debris or a piece of packaging has gotten under the seal or on the hinge itself. Sometimes it is necessary to replace the seal if it has become deformed during service.