The situation when after purchasing a refrigerator it turns out that his door opens in the wrong direction, familiar to many owners of household appliances. This may be due to the layout of the kitchen, the location of outlets, or simply personal convenience. Fortunately, most modern models Indesit, Beko, LG and Atlant provide the possibility reverse opening. This is a design feature that allows you to move the door leaf to the opposite side.
The remodeling process does not require calling a specialist if you have minimal skills in handling tools and are careful. The main difficulty lies in the correct dismantling of old fasteners and careful installation of fittings in new places so as not to damage sealing rubber or the cooling system. In this article we will analyze a universal algorithm of actions that is suitable for most models.
Preparation of the workplace and the necessary tools
Before you begin active actions, you need to free up the space around the refrigerator. You will need access to the unit from all sides, as the door will have to be removed and set aside. Remove all products, shelves and drawers to make the structure as light as possible. This is critically important, since door leaf together with the seal can weigh from 10 to 20 kilograms, and holding it with one hand while unscrewing the bolts is extremely inconvenient and dangerous.
Now let's move on to the tools. A standard DIY kit usually contains everything you need, but it is better to prepare it in advance so as not to interrupt your work. You will need:
- 🔧 A set of screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead) for removing plugs and screws.
- 🔩 Wrenches or sockets (most often sizes 8, 10 mm) for the main hinge bolts.
- 🧤 Gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal edges.
- 📏 Masking tape for fixing the door in the open position (optional).
Special attention should be paid to organizing the workspace. Cover the floor in front of the refrigerator with soft material, such as a blanket or cardboard. This will protect the flooring from scratches if a heavy part accidentally falls. Also make sure that you have good lighting, as some fastening elements may be hidden in hard-to-reach niches.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply! This will eliminate the risk of a short circuit if the wiring is accidentally damaged and will allow you to safely work with metal structural elements.
If your model provides for relocation handles, a hex wrench may be required. Often it comes with the refrigerator, but it can get lost, so it’s better to find a similar one in advance. Do not use excessive force when unscrewing rusty or “stuck” bolts, so as not to strip the threads.
Removing the top hinge and removing doors
We begin the process of direct disassembly from the top of the unit. Depending on the model, the top loop may be closed with a decorative plug or plastic cover. Gently pry it up with a flathead screwdriver to gain access to the mounting bolts. In some models Samsung or LG the trim can be attached to latches that require light but firm pressure.
After removing the decorative elements, you will see the main bolts holding the door. It is important not to act alone here. Have someone hold the door while you unscrew top hinge. If you don't have an assistant, use masking tape to secure the door in the closed or half-open position, but remember that tape is not a reliable fall arrester.
After unscrewing the bolts, remove the top hinge. Now the door is supported only by the lower fastening (if the design provides for a lower axis) or hangs freely. Carefully lift the door up, removing it from the bottom axis, and set it aside in a safe place. Be careful: there may be wires running inside the canvas leading to display or a light bulb. If there are wires, they must be carefully disconnected, remembering the connection order.
It is better to lay the removed door horizontally on a prepared soft surface. This will prevent deformation of the canvas and allow you to work with the handle without hindrance. If the handle is integrated into the body, you may not have to touch it, but if it is removable, now is the time to move it.
Rearranging the handle and removing the bottom hinge
Working with the handle depends on the type of model you have. In classic two-chamber refrigerators, the handle is often hidden at the top of the door or is an extension of it. However, in many modern models Beko i Atlant the handle is attached separately. To transfer it, you need to find the fastening points at the end of the door, unscrew them and move the plugs to the vacated holes on the opposite side.
Now we move on to the bottom of the body. After removing the door, you will have access to bottom support or the hinge. It also needs to be dismantled. Clean the surface from dust and dirt accumulated during operation. This is important for a tight fit of the new fasteners.
If the refrigerator came with special plugs for the holes (usually they are in a bag with documents or attached with tape to the inner wall of the chamber), install them on the old mounting points. This will prevent moisture and dust from getting inside the thermal insulation of the case. In some cases, the plugs are already installed by the manufacturer, and they just need to be rearranged.
☑️ Check before installation
Inspect the lower axle. In some models it is part of the body and cannot be removed, while in others it is a separate element that needs to be moved into a symmetrical hole on the other side. If the axle is removable, carefully unscrew it and install it in the prepared hole on the opposite side, securing it with a lock nut.
Installing the door on the new side
After preparing all the elements, you can begin installation. Install the door on the lower axis on the new side. Make sure it fits snug and straight. If the design provides for a lower pin on the door itself, align it with the hole in the body. The door should now be upright, but not yet secured at the top.
Attach the top hinge to the corresponding holes on the body and door. Insert the bolts and start tightening them, but do not tighten them all the way all at once. First you need to achieve the correct position of the door so that it fits along the entire perimeter. Door distortion - a common mistake leading to loose closure and the formation of ice.
Tighten the top hinge bolts with a wrench. Check the movement of the door: it should open smoothly, without creaking or jamming, and when released in the half-open position (about 30-40 degrees), it should close itself or hold tightly depending on the angle of inclination of the refrigerator body (which is usually adjusted by the legs).
⚠️ Attention: If after installation you notice that the door does not fit tightly, check if anything is in the way seal. Sometimes it is necessary to adjust the height of the legs of the refrigerator to properly tilt the body back.
Do not forget to connect the wires if they were disconnected. Usually the connectors have a unique shape, so it is difficult to mix them up, but be careful. Make sure that the wiring harness is not pinched or touching moving parts or hot components of the compressor.
Comparison of hinge designs of different brands
Hinge designs may vary significantly from one manufacturer to another. Understanding these differences will help you avoid mistakes during dismantling. Below is a table comparing the features of popular brands.
| Brand | Top hinge type | Handle features | Difficulty of re-hanging |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indesit | Hidden, under the cover | Often non-removable (recess) | Low |
| Beko | Open or under the decor | Removable, with screws | Medium |
| LG | Complex, with electronics | Integrated | High |
| Atlant | Classic, open | Removable or hidden | Low |
| Samsung | Hidden under the panel | Hidden in the body | Medium |
As can be seen from the table, models Indesit i Atlant often have a simpler design, where the handle is part of the shape of the door or just a recess, which simplifies the task. While electronic components models LG or Samsung require more caution when working with wiring.
What to do if the bolts do not fit?
In rare cases, when rearranging, bolts of a different length may be required. If the standard bolts are too long and stick, check the package - sometimes the kit includes special short screws for the reverse side. If they are not available, you can use similar ones from a hardware store by selecting a thread.
Always check the instructions for a specific model, since even within the same brand there may be different series with a different design. There is no universal solution for all models, although the principle of operation is similar.
Adjustment and final check
After installing the door and tightening all the bolts, it is necessary to make a final adjustment. The main criterion for correct installation is a tight fit sealing rubber along the entire perimeter. Take a sheet of paper, clamp it with the door and try to pull it out. The paper should be pulled out with noticeable force. If it falls out or is removed too easily, it means that the door does not fit tightly in this place.
To adjust the tightness of the fit, it is often enough to tighten the hinge bolts, slightly moving the door up and down or left and right. Some models provide door height adjustment using screws on the hinge itself. Proceed gradually, making half a turn of the screw and checking the result.
Also check the operation of the magnetic lock (if any) and the light microswitch. When the door is opened, the light should come on, and when closed, it should go out. If the light is constantly on, the compressor will work without stopping, trying to compensate for the heat from the lamp, which will lead to excessive consumption of electricity.
Plug in the refrigerator only after making sure that all tools are removed and the door installed correctly. Let the unit operate for 1-2 hours without loading food to make sure that the operation is stable and that there are no extraneous sounds associated with the vibration of a skewed door.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it necessary to defrost the refrigerator before hanging the door?
Defreeze the refrigerator specifically for re-hanging the door is not necessary if there is no ice inside that could fall out when the door is tilted or removed. However, if the refrigerator requires defrosting, it is better to do this before starting work so that water does not get on the electrical contacts.
Is it possible to redo the door if there are no holes on the body on the other side?
If the case and the door do not have factory holes and threaded bushings on the back side, then it is impossible to redo the opening. The manufacturer has not provided such a function in this model. It is strictly not recommended to drill new holes yourself, as you can damage the thermal insulation circuit.
What to do if, after rehanging, the door opens by itself?
Spontaneous opening of the door usually indicates an incorrect angle of inclination of the refrigerator body. The refrigerator should be tilted slightly backwards (the back wall is lower than the front). Adjust the height of the front legs by unscrewing them to lift the front part of the unit.
Will the warranty remain valid after re-hanging the door yourself?
According to the law, the consumer has the right to independently service the equipment if this does not lead to a breakdown. However, if during the rehanging process you break the thread, damage the wiring or break the glass, warranty repairs may be denied. Proceed with caution and save all removed parts.