Changing the kitchen layout or simply the desire to make the space more ergonomic, owners of household appliances often face the question of how to move the refrigerator door to the other side. This procedure allows you to optimize movement in the kitchen and make opening the unit more convenient. Modern models, be it Indesit, Beko or LG, often provide for this possibility at the design stage.
The rehanging process does not require calling a specialist and can be done independently with a basic set of tools and care. Main rule - act consistently and do not apply excessive force so as not to damage fragile plastic elements or cooling system. In most cases, the entire work takes from 30 to 60 minutes.
Before starting work, you must carefully study the design of your specific device, since the location of fasteners may differ significantly. Some brands, such as Samsung or Bosch, use specific handle fastening systems that require a special approach. Below we will analyze in detail all the stages of this operation.
Preparation of tools and workplace
The success of the operation largely depends on quality preparation. You will need to free up space around the refrigerator to provide access from all sides. Tools Must be on hand so as not to interrupt the process of finding the right screwdriver or wrench.
A standard DIY kit is usually sufficient. However, some models may require specific attachments, such as socket wrenches or hex keys. Check the package contents of your device in advance; perhaps the required key is in the box with documents.
- 🔧 A set of screwdrivers (phillips and flat) for removing various screws.
- 🔩 Wrenches or a ratchet head (often a size of 8 or 10 mm is required).
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges and grease.
- 🧼 Clean rags for wiping parts and removing old grease.
It is important to ensure good lighting of the work area. If the refrigerator is located close to the wall, it will have to be moved, but this must be done carefully so as not to damage the floor covering or the rear condenser grille. Be sure to disconnect the appliance from the power supply before starting any work.
Removing the top part and handle
The first step is always to remove the top door, if you have a two-chamber refrigerator. You need to start from the top to maintain the stability of the structure. First, remove the top cover, if there is one, or the decorative trim that hides the hinge mounts.
Accessing the hinge bolts often requires removing the handle itself. In models Atlant or Stinol the handle can be secured with screws hidden under decorative plugs. Carefully pry them off with a flat screwdriver, being careful not to scratch the surface.
⚠️ Attention: In some models, the handle is part of the door leaf and cannot be removed separately. In this case, immediately proceed to unscrewing the top hinge.
After removing the handle or decorative panel, you will see the fixing bolts of the top hinge. They must be unscrewed, but not removed completely if the door is not yet secured. It is better to ask an assistant to hold the door so that it does not fall and damage the floor or hinges.
Removing the door and rearranging the fittings
After releasing the top hinge, you can remove the door. Gently lift it to remove the bottom hinge pin from the hole and set it aside in a safe place. Now work on the bottom of the unit. It is often necessary to remove the base panel at the bottom of the refrigerator to access the lower fastenings.
Next is the rearrangement of the fittings. On the opposite side of the door and housing there should be holes provided by the manufacturer, closed with plastic plugs. Plugs need to be carefully removed and moved to the vacant places to maintain an aesthetic appearance.
☑️ Dismantling checklist
If your model has a magnetic latch or door opening sensor, they also need to be moved to the new side. Usually, to do this, it is enough to unscrew one screw and move the element to the corresponding slot on the other side. Do not lose the small screws; they are easily lost in the carpet pile or floor cracks.
Installing the door on a new side
Now that all the preparatory work has been completed, you can begin installation. Install the bottom hinge in its new location using the holes provided. Insert the hinge pin into the door hole and carefully lower it, making sure it fits into the groove.
Do not tighten the upper hinge too much yet. This is necessary in order to be able to adjust the position of the door and eliminate distortions. Make sure that the door is level and fits tightly to the body along the entire perimeter.
| Element | Action | Tool |
|---|---|---|
| Bottom hinge | Installation on a new one place | Key 8-10 mm |
| Door | Pin mounting | Partner help |
| Top hinge | Fixation and adjustment | Screwdriver/Key |
| Plugs | Rearrangement to the old place | Flat screwdriver |
After preliminary fixation check the door movement. It should open smoothly, without creaking or jamming. If everything is in order, you can finally tighten all the bolts. Do not overdo it so as not to break the thread in the plastic case.
Features of the No Frost and Side-by-Side models
Refrigerators with the system No Frost often have a more complex design, since elements of the air exhaust system or additional air ducts may be located on the door. When hanging such doors, it is important not to pinch the flexible hoses and damage the insulation.
Models Side-by-Side require a special approach, since their doors are very heavy and oversized. In some cases, the instructions provide for complete disassembly of the door leaf into two parts for ease of transportation and installation. You definitely can’t do this without an assistant.
Nuances for heavy doors
If you have a Side-by-Side model, you may need to remove the inner door panel to gain access to the hinge fasteners hidden inside the structure. Be careful with the backlight wires.
In units with a display on the door, you must be extremely careful with the electrical wires. When rearranging the door, the display control cable must be carefully repositioned or reconnected if the design allows changing the cable exit side. Most often, the cable simply has sufficient length to be rerouted inside the housing.
Adjusting gaps and tightness
After installing the door in a new location, adjustment is often required. If the door is skewed or does not fit tightly, food may spoil and the compressor will work harder. Adjustment is carried out by tightening the hinge mounting bolts.
Use a building level to check the vertical installation. If the door is skewed, loosen the fasteners and slightly move the door in the desired direction, then tighten the bolts again. Rubber seal should fit evenly to the body around the entire perimeter.
⚠️ Attention: If after adjustment the gap is still the same remains, check if there is anything preventing it from closing tightly (for example, a shelf or a bottle). You can also heat the seal with a hairdryer to restore elasticity.
Check the operation of the magnetic latch. It should lock the door in the closed position with a characteristic click. If the door opens by itself when the refrigerator is tilted forward 45 degrees, then the adjustment is correct.
Frequently asked questions
Is it possible to hang the door on the refrigerator if there are no holes on the other side?
Unfortunately, if the manufacturer did not provide technological holes and plugs on the back side, then hang the door impossible. This means that the model is not reversible, and its design does not allow changing the opening direction.
What to do if the hinge fastening bolts are rusty?
Do not try to tear them off by force, so as not to break the cap. Treat the joints with a penetrating lubricant (such as WD-40) and leave for 15-20 minutes. After this, the bolts should unscrew more easily.
Is it necessary to defrost the refrigerator before moving the door?
Yes, this must be done. Firstly, an empty refrigerator is lighter, which will make work easier. Secondly, when tilted or moved, water may leak out of the freezer, damaging the floor or wiring.
Does hanging the door affect the warranty?
If you did the work carefully, did not damage the parts and used standard holes, the warranty is usually maintained. However, if during the process plastic elements are broken or threads are torn off, the service center may refuse free repairs.