The situation when the refrigerator no longer fits into the updated interior or rearranged furniture blocks access to products is familiar to many. Often the only solution is to change the opening side of the door, which allows you to ergonomically fit the appliance into the kitchen space. Modern models of household appliances are often designed taking into account this possibility, but the process itself requires care and knowledge of the design.
Before starting work, you need to assess your strength and the availability of the necessary tools, since careless handling of heavy structural elements can lead to damage to the case or hinges. In this article we will analyze in detail how to flip refrigerator doorswhat nuances to consider when working with different brands and how to avoid typical mistakes that can break the seal of the chamber.
It is worth understanding that the procedure may differ depending on the model: for some units it is enough to rearrange the hinges, for others a complete replacement is required fittings or even dismantling the electronic control unit. Indesit, LG, Samsung Other manufacturers use different fastening schemes, so there are no universal instructions, but the general algorithm of actions can be clearly traced.
Preparation of the workplace and the necessary tools
High-quality preparation is the key to successful completion of the work without scratches on the floor and damage to the body. You will need to clear some space around the refrigerator so you can access it from all sides. You should not try to rehang in a tight corner, as you will have to remove the door and put it aside.
To complete the work, you will need a standard DIY kit, which many people have. The main tools are:
- 🔧 A set of screwdrivers (phillips and flathead) or a screwdriver with appropriate bits.
- 🔩 Wrenches or sockets (often 8 or 10 mm size is required).
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges edges and lubricant.
- 📦 A small container for storing screws and plugs so that they do not get lost.
Pay special attention to the stability of the unit. Before you start unscrewing the bolts, make sure that the refrigerator is level. If the model is two-chamber and heavy, it is better to enlist the help of an assistant who will hold the structure while dismantling the hinges.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply! This is necessary not only for safety, but also to give time for the oil in the compressor to drain if the unit has just been running.
Some models require removal of the base panel or decorative trims before accessing the fasteners. Study the instructions for your device in advance, if they are available, or find information on a specific model on the Internet.
☑️ Preparing to rehang the door
Analysis of the design and the possibility of re-hanging
Not all refrigerators support the function of changing the opening side. In cheap or old models, the hinges may be welded to the body, and the door may not have technological holes for fastening on the other side. The first step should always be a visual inspection.
Pay attention to the bottom of the door and body. If on the opposite side you see symmetrical holes with plastic plugs, it means that the manufacturer has provided the possibility of modernization. In such cases, an additional set of fittings is often supplied with the equipment.
There are several types of hinge designs:
- 🔹 Symmetrical hinges: they have holes on both sides, you just need to rearrange the fasteners.
- 🔹 Asymmetrical hinges: require replacing the hinge itself with mirror (often included).
- 🔹 Hidden hinges: require complete removal of the door and careful work with the mechanism inside the case.
If you are the owner of the model Bosch or Siemens with the system No Frost, be prepared for the fact that along with the door you will have to remove the control panel if it is located on the facade. Electronics require careful handling and disconnection of cables.
What to do if there are no holes on the other side?
If there are no technological holes, it will not be possible to hang the door in the standard way. In some, craftsmen drill new holes, but this violates the integrity of the insulation and voids the warranty. It is better to consider the option of rearranging the refrigerator itself or changing the layout of the kitchen.
Dismantling the top part and removing the door
The process always starts with the top hinge, since it is this that holds the main weight of the door. First, remove the decorative cap that usually hides the mounting bolts. It may be a tight fit, so use the flathead screwdriver carefully to avoid scratching the plastic.
Once you have access to the bolts, loosen them, but do not remove them completely right away. Have a helper hold the door so it doesn't fall after removing the last screw. If you work alone, you can support the door from below or use special suction cups, but this is risky.
Sequence of steps for dismantling:
- Remove the top decorative panel.
- Unscrew the bolts securing the top hinge.
- Remove the hinge itself and set it aside.
- Carefully lift the door, removing it from the lower pin hinge.
At this stage, it is important not to lose the washers and bushings that may be installed between the hinge and the body. Lay out all the parts on the table in the order in which you removed them. This will help with reassembly.
Working with the bottom hinge and latch mechanism
After removing the door, attention switches to the bottom of the unit. This is often where the latch mechanism or pin on which the door rests is located. In some models, for example, in refrigerators Atlant or Stinol, the bottom hinge may be hidden by the base.
You may need to remove the front panel of the base. It is usually held on by latches or two screws. Once removed you will have access to the lower support. It also needs to be unscrewed or knocked out (depending on the design) in order to be installed on the other side.
The table below shows the differences in approaches to the lower fastening for different brands:
| Brand | Type of lower fastening | Special required. tool | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| LG | Threaded pin | No (key 8-10) | It is often necessary to remove the plastic stop |
| Samsung | Sleeve in the body | No | You need to turn the bushing over or rearrange it |
| Indesit | Separate loop | Yes (hexagon) | Complete replacement of the unit is required |
| Bosch | Complex hinge | Yes (Torx) | Attention to the plastic retainer |
If the refrigerator came with instructions for rehanging, follow them literally. The absence of one screw or incorrect installation of the sleeve will result in the door not closing tightly.
⚠️ Attention: When working with the bottom fastening, be careful with the plastic elements. Old plastic can be brittle and break if you force it too hard. If you feel strong resistance, check whether you forgot to unscrew the hidden locking screw.
Moving the fittings and installing them on the new side
Now the most important step is installing all the elements on the opposite side. Take the door and move the handle to it, if the design allows it. In some models, the handle is not removable, and you have to change the entire door assembly, which is inconvenient during transportation.
Install the lower support sleeve or hinge into the prepared hole on the new side. Secure it, but do not tighten it all the way yet to allow for adjustment. Then carefully place the door in place, placing the pin in the hole.
The top loop is installed last. Align the holes, insert the bolts and start tightening them by hand. Only after making sure that the thread has gone correctly can you use the tool. Tightening It must be reliable, but without fanaticism, so as not to break the thread in the soft metal of the case.
Check the operation of the closing mechanism. The door should open smoothly, without squeaks, and fit tightly to the body around the entire perimeter. If you notice a distortion, loosen the fastenings and adjust the position of the door.