Changing the kitchen layout or simply the desire to make the use of household appliances more convenient often poses the question of rearrangement to the owners. In the case of large-sized equipment, such as Indesit, one of the most effective solutions is to change the side of the door opening. This allows you to optimize your workspace and make access to products more ergonomic.
The process of hanging the door on refrigerators of this brand does not require calling a technician or special technical knowledge. It is enough to have a basic set of tools and strictly follow the sequence of actions to avoid damage accessories or plastic elements of the case. The entire procedure takes on average from 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the model and experience of the performer.
Before starting work, it is important to understand that the design may vary slightly depending on the year of manufacture and the specific series of the unit. However, the general principle of dismantling and installation remains the same for most models Indesit, which makes this instruction universal. The main thing is to act carefully and not to apply excessive force where it is not necessary.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. This is critical for safety since you will be working with metal tools in close proximity to electrical components and wiring.
To successfully complete the task, you will need to prepare your work area. Clear space in front of the refrigerator to allow easy access from all sides. If there are products in the freezer or main compartment, it is better to temporarily remove them or move them to another cold place to lighten the weight of the structure and prevent food spoilage during downtime.
Necessary tools and preparation
The quality and speed of work directly depend on the correctness of the selected tools. You don't need complex professional equipment; a standard home craftsman's kit is enough. The main tool will be a screwdriver or a Phillips screwdriver, since most fasteners in refrigerators Indesit have a Phillips slot.
In addition to a screwdriver, you may need a wrench, the size of which is usually 8 or 10 mm, in depending on the hinge model. It would also be a good idea to prepare a flat-head screwdriver or a mounting knife to carefully remove the decorative plugs. To protect the floor from scratches during work, it is recommended to lay thick cardboard or soft fabric.
Special attention should be paid to organizing the workspace. It is better to immediately put all removed screws and small parts in a separate container so that they do not get lost or mixed up. This is especially true if you plan to store the old fasteners in case of reverse rearrangement in the future.
- 🛠️ Phillips screwdriver (PH2) or screwdriver with appropriate bit
- 🔧 Wrench (usually 8 mm or 10 mm)
- 🧤 Flat screwdriver for removing plugs
- 📦 Container for storing fasteners
⚠️ Attention: Do not use too long bits or screwdrivers without checking the immersion depth, so as not to damage the internal threads in the plastic bushings of the refrigerator body.
☑️ Preparation for rehanging
Removing the top panel and handle
The first stage of work is removing the top decorative panel, if provided for by the design of your model. On many refrigerators Indesit it is attached to latches or screws hidden under plastic plugs. Carefully pry up the plugs with a flat-head screwdriver and unscrew the fasteners.
After removing the top cover, access to the top hinge opens. Before unscrewing the hinge itself, it is necessary to remove the door handle. It is usually secured with screws from the inside or bottom. If the screws are hidden by decorative trims, they also need to be carefully removed.
To avoid a sharp fall or distortion, it is recommended to hold the door with your free hand or ask an assistant to fix its position. After unscrewing the bolts, the upper hinge can be removed.
Sequence of actions:1. Remove the top decorative panel.
2. Unscrew the screws securing the handle.
3. Unscrew the bolts of the upper hinge.
Features of fastening the handles
On some Indesit models, the handles can be attached not only with screws, but also with powerful latches. If the screws are removed and the handle does not come off, do not yank it too hard. Try carefully prying the edge of the handle with a flat-head screwdriver, after wrapping the tool in a soft cloth so as not to leave marks on the plastic. Sometimes it is necessary to move the handle to the side before removal.
Removing the refrigerator door
After releasing the top hinge, the most crucial moment comes - removing the door itself. Since it is quite heavy and has a shifted center of gravity, you need to act confidently and carefully. It is best to perform this operation with two people, so that one person holds the door, and the other does the fastening.
Lift the door up to release the lower axis, and smoothly move it to the side. Be careful: in some models, the backlight or opening sensor wires may be connected to the door. If you find wiring, do not pull the door sharply under any circumstances. You need to find the connection point (usually a connector at the bottom of the case or inside the channel) and carefully disconnect it.
The removed door should be placed on a flat, covered surface with the face up. This will prevent scratches on the decorative coating. Now you can start moving the fittings to the opposite side.
When removing, pay special attention to the condition seal. Try not to touch it with tools and to prevent dirt from getting into the grooves where it is inserted. Damage to the rubber can lead to loss of tightness and improper operation of the refrigerator in the future.
Rearranging hinges and fittings
Now you need to move all the fasteners to the opposite side. On the other side of the refrigerator body there should already be technological holes covered with plastic plugs. Carefully remove the plugs from the new seats and install them in the vacated holes on the working side.
Remove the lower hinge on one side and install it on the opposite side, using the holes provided by the factory. Then perform a similar operation with the top loop. It is important to use exactly those holes that correspond to the installation height of your model, if there are several of them.
Do not forget to rearrange the lock latch rod if it is located separately from the main hinge. In some models Indesit you also need to switch the position of the plastic latch or tongue, which signals the door is closed. To do this, you may need to lightly press the mechanism or turn it with a special key.
| Element | Action | Tool |
|---|---|---|
| Upper loop | Transfer to the opposite side | Phillips screwdriver |
| Bottom hinge | Transfer with axle replacement | Wrench |
| Plugs | Replacement in places (left/right) | Flat screwdriver |
| Handle | Installation from a new side | Phillips screwdriver |
When tightening the bolts, do not tighten them until emphasis immediately. Tighten all the screws first to ensure correct positioning of the parts, and only then make the final tightening. This will help avoid distortions that can make it difficult to open the door.
Installing the door in a new location
After preparing the mating part on the body, you can begin hanging the door. Lift the door and insert the bottom pin into the corresponding hole in the bottom hinge. Make sure it sits straight and tight. If the model includes wiring, connect the connectors until the top part is completely secured.
Align the door and install the top hinge in place. Insert the mounting bolts and begin tightening them. At this stage it is important to control the gaps around the perimeter. The door should fit evenly to the body along its entire length, without visible distortions at the top or bottom.
If you notice that the door is skewed, loosen the top hinge fasteners and slightly adjust the position, then tighten the bolts again. Uniformity of fit is a key factor for proper operation thermostat and saving energy.
Adjustment and checking the tightness of the fit
The final stage is adjustment. Even with careful installation, (fine tuning) may be required. Check how the door opens and closes. The move should be smooth, without squeaks or jamming. The door should close tightly against a slight push.
Pay attention to the operation of the magnetic seal. It should be adjacent to the body along the entire perimeter. You can check the density in a simple way: close the door on a piece of paper and try to pull it out. If the paper comes out with noticeable force around the entire perimeter, the seal is ensured. If in some places the sheet falls out freely, adjustment of the height of the hinge is required.
To adjust the height, it is often enough to loosen the screws securing the hinge and add washers or, conversely, remove them to change the position of the door relative to the body. In some models, adjustment is carried out by turning special screws in the lower hinge.
⚠️ Attention: If after adjustment the door still does not fit tightly, check the condition of the sealing rubber. It could have become deformed during storage or transportation. In this case, it may be necessary to replace it or restore it with hot air (hairdryer), but this must be done extremely carefully.
Frequent errors and troubleshooting
During operation Beginners often make mistakes that can lead to additional problems. One of the most common is the loss or confusion of fasteners. To avoid this, use a magnetic tray or labeled containers for different types of screws.
Another common mistake is using excessive force when tightening screws into a plastic case. This can lead to cracks in the plastic or breakage of the threads, which will require serious repairs with replacement of body parts. Tighten the screws tightly, but without fanaticism.
It is also worth mentioning the problem of squeaking after rearrangement. If the door begins to creak, you may not have lubricated the rubbing parts of the hinges during installation. Use a special silicone lubricant that does not harm rubber seals and food products.
- ❌ Forgot to remove the transport locks from the compressor (if the refrigerator is new)
- ❌ Mixed up screws of different lengths, damaging the inner wall
- ❌ They did not check the horizontal installation of the refrigerator itself
- ❌ Forgot to connect the sensor connectors, if any
What to do if the screw does not turn?
If the screw is “stuck” or is very tight, do not use brute force. Apply some penetrating lubricant (such as WD-40) to the threads and wait 10-15 minutes. Then try to gently rip it off by lightly tapping the handle of the screwdriver. It is important not to tear off the slots on the screw head.
After completing all the work and checking the functionality, you can turn on the refrigerator. Let it run idle for about 2-3 hours before loading it with food so that it reaches operating temperature. This is especially important if during the work the refrigeration unit was in a horizontal position for a long time or tilted by more than 45 degrees.
Compliance with the technology of hanging the door will allow you to enjoy the updated ergonomics of the kitchen without extra costs for the services of a service center. The main thing is attention to detail and accuracy of each step.
Is it possible to rehang the door yourself if the refrigerator is still under warranty?
In most cases, manufacturers, including Indesit, do not prohibit the user from reversing the door on their own, since this is a standard procedure provided for by the design. However, if in the process you break threads, break plastic, or damage the seal, the warranty claim for these specific damages may not be accepted. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to contact an authorized service.
What to do if, after rehanging, the door does not close completely?
Most likely, the problem is in adjusting the height or angle of the refrigerator itself. Check whether the unit is standing strictly vertically. It is often necessary to unscrew the front adjustment feet slightly so that the body tilts back slightly so that the door closes under the influence of gravity. Also check if anything inside (shelves, food) is preventing it from closing tightly.
Is it necessary to change the opening side for two-chamber refrigerators?
Yes, the procedure for two-chamber models (with a separate freezer) is similar, but requires sequential rehanging first of the upper (freezer) and then the lower door. It is important to correctly rearrange the partitions and opening limiters, if they are provided for in the design, so that the doors do not swing open at an angle of more than 90 degrees and do not hit the walls.
What if decorative plugs are lost?
If you have lost plastic plugs for holes, you can order them at the service center or pick up universal analogues in furniture stores accessories. As a last resort, the holes on the non-working side can be carefully sealed with furniture stickers in the color of the body to prevent dust and moisture from getting there, although aesthetically it will look worse.