Changing the kitchen layout or simply inconvenient placement of household appliances often poses the question of how to move the refrigerator door to the other side. This procedure allows you to adapt the device to new ergonomic conditions, making access to products more comfortable. Modern manufacturers, such as Indesit, Atlant or Bosch, often provide this possibility in the design of their units.
However, despite its apparent simplicity, the process requires care and adherence to a certain sequence of actions. Incorrect dismantling hinges can lead to damage to the facade or even failure of the seal. In this article we will analyze in detail all the stages of work, the necessary tools and nuances that will help to avoid common mistakes.
Before starting any manipulations, it is critical to make sure that you have the technical ability to re-hang it specifically for your model. Not all refrigerators are equipped with symmetrical fasteners, and attempting to rearrange models on models without corresponding holes is impossible without complex modifications to the case.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting work, be sure to unplug the refrigerator from the power supply and remove all food. Working with a heavy facade alone is dangerous - call an assistant to avoid injury or damage to the flooring.
During the work, you will have to deal with metal parts and plastic plugs, which can be fragile. Any careless movement can lead to breakdown fasteners, so act without unnecessary haste or sudden jerks. If you feel that the part does not give in, it is better to check the instructions again than to use force.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
Quality preparation is the key to successful completion of the repair. You will need a minimum set of tools that any amateur craftsman can find in his home. The main tool will be screwdriver or a set of screwdrivers with different attachments, since the types of screws may differ depending on the manufacturer.
In addition to the main tool, it will not be amiss to prepare masking tape and soft rags. Scotch tape will be needed to secure moving parts, and a rag will protect the floor and the body itself from scratches during operation. It is also recommended to have a container on hand for folding the bolts so as not to lose them during the rearrangement process.
The list of necessary equipment is as follows:
- 🔧 A set of screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead) or a screwdriver with bits
- 🔩 A wrench or 8 or 10 socket mm (depending on the model)
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp edges
- 📏 Level (for checking the horizon after installation)
Pay special attention to organizing the space. Clear the area in front of the refrigerator by removing carpets and other objects. If the equipment came with mounting template or a special key, be sure to find them, as they will greatly simplify the task.
Some models, for example, from LG or Samsungmay have specific fastenings, requiring hexagons. Check the contents of your device in advance.
Analysis of the design and checking the possibility of overhanging
Before taking up the tools, it is necessary to conduct a visual inspection devices. First, examine the side walls of the refrigerator compartment. The presence of symmetrical holes for hinges is the main sign that overhanging the door is provided by the manufacturer.
If the holes are closed with decorative plugs on one side, and threaded connections are visible on the other, then the design allows you to change the opening side. If there are holes on only one side or they have different geometries, reinstallation without drilling new holes will not work.
It is also worth paying attention to the design of the handle. In some models it is asymmetrical and requires replacement or rearrangement of internal fasteners. For refrigerators with the system No Frost you must be especially careful not to damage the air supply ducts that may run near the fasteners.
Compare your situation with the types of structures in the table below:
| Type of construction | Presence of holes | Complexity of work | Need to replace handles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Symmetrical | Both sides | Low | Repositioning required |
| Partial | Only under hinges | Medium | Not required |
| Hidden | Under plugs | High | Depends on the model |
| Asymmetrical | On the one hand | Impossible | Not applicable |
It is important to understand that For two-chamber models, the process may take longer, since both doors will have to be removed. Make sure you have enough space to temporarily place them horizontally if necessary.
What to do if the plugs cannot be removed?
Some manufacturers press decorative plugs in very tightly. In this case, they can be carefully pryed off with a thin knife or a flat screwdriver, after slightly heating them with a hairdryer to soften the plastic.
Dismantling the upper part and removing the door
The process begins with the upper hinge, since it is this that holds the main weight of the door. First, remove the decorative panel or cover that hides the fasteners. Usually it is fixed with latches or one screw that needs to be unscrewed.
After gaining access to the bolts, do not rush to completely unscrew them. Just loosen them first to get a feel for how tight they fit. If you are working with a refrigerator Indesit or Stinol, be prepared for the fact that the bolts may be very tight due to vibration during compressor operation.
Then the action algorithm is as follows:
- 🛑 Hold the door with your second hand or ask an assistant fix its position.
- 🔓 Completely unscrew the bolts securing the upper hinge to the refrigerator body.
- 🚪 Carefully lift the door, removing it from the lower axis, and place it in a safe place.
At this stage, it is important not to lose the bushings or washers that may be under the hinge. These small parts ensure correct positioning and smooth operation. If you lose adjusting washersthe door may warp.
The removed door is best placed on a soft surface covered with a blanket or cardboard, face down. This will prevent scratches on the glossy finish or enamel surface.
⚠️ Attention: Do not leave the refrigerator with the compartment open for a long time, especially in summer. This can lead to moisture condensation inside the insulation and damage to the thermostat due to overheating.
Transfer of fittings and handles
The most time-consuming part of the work is rearranging the handle and internal mechanisms. If the handle is integrated into the body or has a complex shape, its removal may require removing the entire front panel. Models Atlant often require access from inside the door.
To do this, remove the internal plastic panel by unscrewing the hidden screws around the perimeter. Be careful with plastic latches - they break easily if not handled carefully. After removing the panel, you will have access to the handle fastenings.
Procedure for moving the fittings:
- Unscrew the mounting screws holding the handle on the current side.
- Carefully remove the handle, being careful not to scratch the surface of the door.
- Find symmetrical holes on the other side and install the handle there, securing it with screws.
- Close the resulting holes on the same side with decorative plugs.
In some cases, opening limiters may be required. These parts are often found at the bottom of the door or in the hinge area. Their rearrangement is required for the correct operation of the mechanism. replacing stoppers or opening limiters. These parts are often found at the bottom of the door or in the hinge area. Their rearrangement is required for the correct operation of the mechanism.
If your refrigerator is equipped with a display or control buttons on the door, you will need to disconnect the cable cable. Do this very carefully, having first remembered or photographed the order of connecting the contacts.
☑️ Check before assembly
Installing the bottom hinge and hanging the door
Now we move on to the lower part of the structure. If the lower hinge is also to be moved, remove it from its old place and install it on a symmetrical hole on the opposite side. Tighten the bolts, but do not “tightly” fix them yet.
Place the door onto the lower axis, keeping it vertical. This is the most crucial moment, requiring the help of a second person. One person holds the door, the second gets the upper hole into the fastening place of the upper hinge.
After the door is in place, check its position. It should open freely, without jamming, and fit snugly to the body when closed. If misalignment is noticeable, use the adjusting screws to align.
Different models may require different tightening torques. For example, for heavy two-chamber models Liebherr maximum tightening is required, while for light single-chamber models Beko you can tighten it a little looser so as not to break the threads in the plastic.
Make sure that the magnetic seal (elastic band) fits snugly around the entire perimeter of the body. If a gap has formed in some place, the cold will escape, and the compressor will work without interruption.
Final adjustment and tightness check
After assembly, final adjustments must be made. Use a spirit level to check that the top of the refrigerator is level. If the floor is uneven, adjust the height of the refrigerator's front legs using the rotating feet.
Checking the leaks is a critical step. Take a regular sheet of A4 paper. Clamp it with the refrigerator door around the perimeter. If the sheet is pulled out with difficulty along the entire length, then the seal fits perfectly.
If the paper slips too easily or, conversely, the door is difficult to open, adjustment of the hinges is required. Loosen the fastening a little and move the door in the desired direction, then tighten the bolts again.
Also check the operation closer (if it exists). The door should automatically close when opened to a certain angle. If this does not happen, perhaps the refrigerator is not level or the hinges are skewed.
After all the manipulations, turn on the refrigerator. Let it work for several hours without loading food to make sure that the operation is stable and there are no problems with sealing.
⚠️ Attention: Do not load the refrigerator with food immediately after moving the door. Give the equipment 2-3 hours to stabilize the temperature conditions and check the correct operation of the seals.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to flip the door if there are no holes on the side?
No, if the factory does not provide symmetrical holes, drill it yourself the body is not allowed. This will damage the thermal insulation, lead to corrosion and void the warranty. In such cases, reweighing is impossible.
What to do if the bolts on the hinges are rusty?
Use a penetrating lubricant (for example, WD-40). Apply it to the thread and leave for 15-20 minutes. Do not use excessive force to avoid stripping the bolt head. If the bolt still does not fit, drilling may be required, but this is a last resort.
Does the seal need to be changed when re-hanging?
Usually no, modern seals are elastic and retain their shape. It only needs to be changed if it is damaged, has lost elasticity or does not fit well even after adjusting the loops.
How long does the rehanging procedure take?
For an experienced craftsman this takes 20-30 minutes. For a beginner doing this for the first time and carefully reading the instructions, the process can take up to 1.5 hours, especially if rearranging the handle and electronics is required.