The situation when, after buying a new refrigerator or moving to another apartment, it turns out that the door opens in the wrong direction is familiar to many. This creates significant inconvenience, especially in kitchens with limited space or a specific layout. Fortunately, most modern models Indesit, Beko, LG and Atlant provide the ability to change the opening side. This process does not require calling a specialist if you act carefully and consistently, following the technical regulations.
Before starting work, you need to make sure that your unit really supports this option. On older or budget models, the hinges may be welded, and there may be no spare holes in the body. It is also important to understand that overweighting is mechanical interventionwhich, if done carelessly, can lead to damage to the enamel or deformation of the seal. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to contact the service, but for most users, replacing the opening side on your own is quite possible.
In this article we will analyze a universal algorithm of actions that is suitable for most household refrigerators. We will look at the nuances of working with different types of handles, the features of transferring magnetic latches and methods for adjusting the tightness of the door after installation. Carefully studying the instructions will help you avoid common mistakes and maintain the warranty on the equipment.
Preparation of the workplace and necessary tools
The success of the operation depends 90% on proper preparation. You will need clear space around the refrigerator on all sides to allow access to the ends and back wall. Clear your kitchen of clutter, remove rugs that might interfere with stability, and ensure good lighting. If the floor is slippery, place thick cardboard or a piece of linoleum under the legs of the unit so as not to scratch the coating when moving the equipment.
The set of tools is usually minimal, but should be selected in advance so as not to be distracted during the process. Most often required:
- 🔧 A set of screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead) for removing plugs and screws.
- 🔩 Wrenches or sockets (often 8 mm or 10 mm in size) for the main hinge fastenings.
- 🔪 A utility knife or a thin spatula for removing decorative plastic plugs.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges.
Particular attention should be paid to latches doors. In many models, during transportation, the doors are secured with tape or special brackets, which must be removed before starting work. If you plan to change the opening side, it is recommended to empty the refrigerator compartment of food in order to reduce the weight of the structure and avoid heavy bottles falling when the case is tilted.
⚠️ Attention: Before any manipulations with electrical equipment, you must disconnect the refrigerator from the network. This safety rule is absolute and not subject to discussion, since the risk of electric shock when working with metal elements is great.
☑️ Ready for work
Removing the upper door and moving the handle
Work always starts with the upper door, since it is less massive and provides access to the lower fastenings. First remove the top hinge. This may require removing the decorative cover, which is often held in place by latches or a single screw. In some models Samsung or Electrolux under the cover there is a control unit that must be carefully disconnected, remembering the location of the contacts, or simply moved to the side if the length of the wires allows.
After removing the upper hinge, the door must be carefully lifted and removed from the lower axis. It is better to do this together, since even an empty door has significant weight. Now take care of the pen. If it is overhead and is attached with screws from the inside, simply unscrew them and move the handle to the opposite end using the holes provided by the manufacturer. If the handle is integrated (cutout in the body), then this step is skipped.
At the free end there will be holes from the old handle and, possibly, fastenings for the latch. They need to be closed. The refrigerator usually comes with plastic plugs of the same color as the body. If the supplied plugs are lost, you can use decorative stickers or special repair kits to prevent moisture and dust from getting inside the metal panel.
What to do if the plugs are lost?
If the original plugs are lost, do not leave the holes open. This disrupts aesthetics and can lead to metal corrosion. You can temporarily close the holes with plasticine to match the body, seal it with decorative tape, or order a set of plugs from the manufacturer’s service center. The main thing is to ensure the tightness of the door cavity.
It is important not to mix up the screws when installing the handle in a new place. Often handle fasteners have different lengths or thread pitches. Using the wrong screw can lead to damage to the threads in the plastic or metal of the door, which will make the structure shaky.
Removing and rehanging the lower door
The lower door covering the freezer is usually heavier and more massive top. The principle of operation is similar: remove the middle hinge (which is located between the cameras), release the door and move the handle. However, there is an important nuance here - the latch rod. The mechanism that holds the door closed is often located asymmetrically.
To move the latch, you need to find a hole at the end of the door that is closed with a plug. Carefully remove the plug and install the latch mechanism in its place. A plastic plug is placed in the vacant space. In some models Bosch or Siemens the rod must not only be rearranged, but turned over or replaced with a symmetrical analogue from the kit.
When installing the lower door on a new hinge, it is important to correctly align the axes. Do not try to force the door into place. If the holes do not line up, check to see if you have mixed up the left and right sides of the hinge, or if you forgot to remove the shipping locks from the hinge itself. The lower hinge experiences the greatest load, so its bolts must be tightened with the maximum force recommended by the manufacturer.
Nuances of working with electronics and magnetic latches
Modern refrigerators are often equipped with door opening sensors and electronic displays located on the facade. When hanging the door, it is important not to damage the wire loops. On models with a door display, the wires may run through the top hinge. When rearranging, you may need to lengthen the cable or switch the connectors to a special port intended for the reverse side.
Magnetic latches deserve special attention. Unlike mechanical ones, they do not have movable rods, but require precise positioning of the counter part on the refrigerator body. If you change the opening side, the magnet counter should also be moved to the opposite side of the chamber. Often it is attached to double-sided tape or screws hidden under a decorative overlay.
The table below shows the main differences in working with different types of mechanisms:
| Mechanism type | Location | Difficulty of transfer | Required tools |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanical latch | Door end | Medium | Screwdriver, knife |
| Magnetic system | Case side | Low | Screwdriver |
| Electronic sensor | Inside the hinge/case | High | Pliers, diagram |
| Display on the door | Facade | High | Set of keys |
If your refrigerator is equipped system No Frost, make sure that when rehanging you do not pinch the air ducts if they pass through the door (in some rare models). Also check the integrity of the insulation of the wires going to the fans or defrost heaters, if they are located in the access area.
Installation of hinges and final assembly
The final stage is installing all the elements in new places. The top hinge is installed last. Slide the bottom door onto the axle, then install the middle hinge (if it's removable) and slide the top door on. Only after this is the upper loop mounted.
The key point here is adjusting the gaps. The door should fit tightly around the entire perimeter of the body. If you see a misalignment, do not rush to tighten the bolts all the way. Loosen the top hinge, align the door visually and level, and then securely fix it. Some models use front support legs to adjust the tilt of the entire refrigerator, which can be unscrewed with a key.
Do not forget to install all decorative plugs on the vacated holes. They not only improve the appearance, but also protect the inside of the door from dust. Check the operation of all mechanisms: the door should open smoothly, without jerking, and close tightly when pushed. A characteristic click when closing is a sign of proper operation of the magnetic seal and latch.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use excessive force when tightening the hinge bolts. The aluminum alloy from which hinges are often made is soft and the threads can “float” if you overdo it. Use moderate force, sufficient for secure fixation.
Checking the tightness and adjusting the seal
After the door is thrown over, you need to make sure that the rubber seal fits tightly. A loose fit will result in the compressor constantly turning on, ice formation and increased energy consumption. The easiest way to check is to test with a sheet of paper.
Clamp the sheet of paper with the refrigerator door in different places around the perimeter. If the sheet is pulled out with noticeable force and breaks, the seal is good. If the paper falls out or is pulled out too easily, it means that the seal does not fit in this place. This often happens if the door was installed skewed.
You can use a hair dryer to eliminate leaks. Heat the problem area of the seal with hot air (without overheating until it melts), and then press the door tightly against the body and let it cool. The rubber will straighten and take the desired shape. If the deformation is severe, it may be necessary to replace the seal with a new one, since the old one could “remember” the position on the other side.
Common mistakes when re-hanging
Despite the apparent simplicity, beginners often make mistakes that have to be corrected. One of the most common is the loss of small parts. Screws, washers and plugs are very easy to drop inside the case or roll under the refrigerator. It is recommended to use a magnetic tray or jar to collect fasteners.
Another mistake is ignoring the level. If the refrigerator is not level, the door may open by itself or, conversely, not close completely. Always check the position of the unit with a building level after completion of work. Also, do not forget about the standing time: after transportation and active operations, the refrigerator should be allowed to stand for several hours before turning it on.
Sometimes users forget to reset the door opening limiter. This is a plastic or rubber stop that prevents the door from swinging open 180 degrees and hitting the wall or furniture. If it is not rearranged, the door will open too wide, which can lead to damage to the hinge or the door itself.
Is it necessary to completely defrost the refrigerator before rehanging it?
Yes, this is a mandatory requirement. Water from melted ice can get into the hinge mechanisms or electrical contacts, causing corrosion or shorting. In addition, a full refrigerator is too heavy for safe work.
Will the warranty remain valid after re-hanging the door?
Re-hanging the door yourself, as a rule, does not void the warranty if you have not damaged the unit components. However, if you break the loop or damage the wiring in the process, the service center may refuse free repairs. Keep all removed parts.
What to do if the holes for the hinges do not match?
In 99% of cases the holes are symmetrical. If they do not match, check to see if you have mixed up the top and bottom hinges, or if you are using fasteners from a different model. Drilling new holes is strictly prohibited - this will violate the thermal insulation of the case.
Is it possible to flip the door on a built-in refrigerator?
On built-in appliances, the procedure is more complicated, since the door is attached to the furniture facade. It is also necessary to rehang the furniture door, observing the exact gaps. Often, this requires special adapter strips that come with the refrigerator.
How often do you need to change the seal after rehanging?
There is no need to change the seal immediately after rehanging if it is elastic and intact. However, if the rubber is hardened or has cracks, the moment of rehanging is the ideal time to replace it with a new one to ensure maximum energy efficiency.