Changing the opening side of the refrigeration door is a task that many owners of household appliances face after moving or rearranging furniture. Often the kitchen layout changes, and the standard right-hand opening becomes inconvenient, interfering with passage or access to work surfaces. It is quite possible to remodel the door on the refrigerator on your own if you are careful and follow the sequence of actions.
The re-hanging process requires care, since modern models are equipped with complex electronics, sensors and No Frost systems, which are easily damaged if handled improperly. Before starting work, you need to make sure that your model technically allows you to change the opening side, since some budget options have welded hinges or the body design does not provide for symmetrical fastenings. In this article, we will analyze in detail all the stages of dismantling and installing fittings.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
For high-quality re-hanging of the door, you will need a basic DIY kit, which most men have. The main tool will be a screwdriver or a set of screwdrivers with different attachments, since the mounting screws may differ in size and type of head. It would also be a good idea to prepare wrenches if the hinges are secured with bolts, and a flat spatula for carefully removing decorative plugs.
It is important to prepare a flat surface for laying the removed parts so as not to lose small screws and scratch the floor. Many DIYers recommend using a soft blanket or cardboard to temporarily rest the heavy refrigerator door on. Don’t forget about the level so that after installation you can check the vertical position of the case and prevent spontaneous opening.
Be sure to clear access to the refrigerator from all sides, moving it away from the wall at least one meter. This will ensure comfortable work and allow you to walk around the unit, checking the gaps and tightness of the seal. If the equipment came with special plugs for the holes on the other side, find them in advance so as not to look for analogs that match the color and shape.
☑️ Tools for re-hanging
Design analysis and feasibility overhang
Before you grab the tools, you need to study the design of your refrigerator in detail. Not all models support the door reversal function. In most cases, the possibility of rehanging is provided by the manufacturer, as evidenced by the symmetrical holes on the body and the presence of hidden fasteners under the decorative panels.
Carefully inspect the hinges: if they have a symmetrical shape and holes for fastening on both sides, then the door can be remade. However, in some models, the upper and lower hinges may differ in design, which requires special attention during dismantling. It is also worth checking for the presence of a magnetic lock or a complex control system that can be tied to one specific side.
⚠️ Attention: If the case does not have symmetrical holes for attaching hinges or the decorative panels are not removed, revealing hidden fasteners, then re-hanging is impossible without compromising the integrity of the case.
Pay special attention to models with displays or control buttons located on the door. In such cases, door alteration may require moving the control panel or extending the cables, which only experienced service center technicians can do. For conventional models without electronics on the facade, the process is much simpler and faster.
Dismantling the top part and removing the door
You should always start work by disconnecting the refrigerator from the power supply to avoid short circuits or damage to electronic components if you accidentally touch the wires. The first step is to remove the top decorative panel, if present, by carefully prying it off with a flathead screwdriver or knife. Underneath you will find the top hinge mounting bolts.
Using a suitable wrench or screwdriver, remove the screws securing the top hinge. If the door is heavy, have someone hold it to prevent it from falling and damaging the floor or your feet. After removing the fasteners, carefully lift the top hinge and remove it from the axis, after which you can proceed to removing the door itself from the bottom hinge.
Remove the door from the bottom pin and place it on a prepared soft surface with the outer side facing up. Now you need to dismantle the mating part of the hinge from the refrigerator body and rearrange the handle if the design allows it to be moved. Often the handle is secured with screws on the inside, which can be accessed after removing the door.
⚠️ Attention: Do not leave the refrigerator open for a long time, especially in hot weather. This can lead to defrosting of the evaporator and loss of properties of the compressor oil.
Rearranging the fittings and lower fastening
After the door is removed, it is necessary to remove the lower hinge from the body and move it to the opposite side. In some models, the lower support is a pin that is simply unscrewed from one hole and screwed into a symmetrical one on the other side. This may require a hex wrench or open-end wrench.
If your model is equipped with No Frost system, be extremely careful when working in the lower part of the case, where condensate drainage channels often pass. Damage to the tube or displacement of the drainage tray may result in water leaks onto the floor during further use. Carefully make room for installing the hinge in a new place.
Now let's move on to the door itself. Remove the lower support sleeve from it and install it in a symmetrical hole at the opposite end. If the design requires the use of a pin, insert it into the new location and securely fix it. Make sure that all parts are tightly in place and do not loosen.
| Type of fastening | Tool | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Top hinge | Screwdriver / Key | Often hidden under a decorative cover |
| Bottom support | Hexagon | Requires precise positioning of the axis |
| Door handle | Cross screwdriver | Access through the inside of the door |
| Stoppers | Flat screwdriver | Need to be rearranged into new slots |
Installing the door on a new side
When all the preparatory work is completed and the fittings are moved to the opposite end, you can begin installation. Carefully lift the door and slide the bottom sleeve onto the installed pin or bottom hinge. Make sure that the door is level and not warped, as this may complicate further installation of the top fastening.
Install the top hinge in a new place, aligning the holes in the door body and the refrigerator wall. Install the mounting screws, but do not tighten them all the way yet. This will allow you to adjust the position of the door, achieving an ideal gap around the entire perimeter and a tight fit of the seal.
What to do if the door is skewed?
If after installation you notice a skew, loosen the screws of the top hinge and slightly raise or lower the desired edge of the door. Sometimes it is necessary to adjust the height of the lower pin using shims or unscrewing the pin itself.
After alignment, finally tighten all screws. Check the operation of the magnetic lock (if there is one) and ease of opening. The door should open smoothly, without creaking or jamming, and when released in a half-open position (usually up to 30-40 degrees), it should close independently under the influence of a magnet.
Adjusting gaps and installing plugs
The final stage is to adjust the position of the door and mask the old holes. If the door does not fit tightly, the height of the refrigerator legs may need to be adjusted. By twisting the front supports, you can achieve a slight tilt of the body back, which helps the door close automatically.
Use a building level to make sure that the refrigerator is vertical. Incorrect installation can result in the door opening on its own or, conversely, closing too tightly. Some models provide adjustment of the position of the top hinge in height and depth.
Close the resulting holes on the old side of the mount with special plugs, which are usually included in the kit. If the plugs are lost, you can order them from the service center or select universal analogues of a suitable color. This will not only improve the appearance, but also protect the insides from dust.
⚠️ Attention: Design and equipment may vary depending on the manufacturer and year of manufacture of the model. Always check the user manual that came with your specific device.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to re-hash a door if it has a display?
In most cases, re-hung a door with a display is possible, but it is more difficult. You will need to carefully disconnect the power and control cable, remove the panel, rearrange the fasteners and then connect the cable to the connector on the other side of the case, if the length of the wire allows. If the cable is short, it may need to be extended or re-soldered, which is best left to professionals.
Why does the door not close tightly after rehanging?
There may be several reasons: incorrect adjustment of the height of the refrigerator legs, misalignment when installing the top hinge, or damage to the seal during dismantling. Also check if there is anything in the contents of the shelves that is preventing them from closing tightly. Try loosening the hinge screws and realigning the door.
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging?
Full defrosting is not necessary if you work quickly. However, if there is a lot of ice in the freezer compartment, water may leak when the unit is tilted or moved. It is recommended to carry out the defrosting procedure in advance so that there is no excess moisture inside that can get on the electrical contacts.
Where can I get the plugs for the holes if they are lost?
The plugs can be found in a bag with documents, which is often taped to the inner wall or lies on the top shelf. If they are not there, contact the authorized service center of your brand or look for universal plugs in hardware stores, selecting them by diameter and color.