Rearranging furniture in the kitchen or changing the layout often poses the question of how to twist the doors on the refrigerator. This procedure allows you to change the opening direction of the door leaf, which is especially important when changing the location of the unit in the room. Modern models of household appliances, as a rule, provide for the possibility of such a maneuver, but the process requires care and adherence to the sequence of actions.
The need for re-hanging may arise not only due to moving, but also if the standard handle breaks or the seal on one of the sides is damaged. Self-reinstallation allows you to save money on calling a technician if you have basic skills in working with tools. It is important to understand that the design of different models may differ significantly, so there is no universal algorithm for all brands.
Before taking active steps, you should carefully study the technical documentation included with your device. The user manual often contains specific instructions specific to your model Indesit, LG or Atlant. Ignoring factory recommendations can lead to damage to the hinges or failure of the seal of the chamber.
Evaluation of the design and preparation of tools
The first stage of work is a thorough inspection of the refrigeration unit. Not all models support the door reversing function. If on the opposite side of the case there are no factory holes for attaching hinges or there are no places for installing handles, then changing the opening side will not be possible without complex engineering modifications.
After making sure that the work is possible, you need to prepare a working tool. You will need a set of screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead), hex wrenches, appropriately sized wrenches, and possibly pliers. To protect the floor covering and the refrigerator itself, it is recommended to prepare soft cloth or cardboard in advance.
- 🔧 A set of screwdrivers with different tips for removing fasteners.
- 🔑 Hex key for adjusting the position of the flaps.
- 📏 Level to check the horizontal installation after installation.
- 🧤 Gloves to protect hands from sharp edges and contamination.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply! This is critical for safety as you will be working in close proximity to electrical components and wiring.
Particular attention should be paid to the type of hinges. They can be hidden or external, and also vary in design depending on the number of chambers. Two-chamber refrigerators require a more complex approach, since it is necessary to hang both doors, maintaining their synchronous operation.
Removing the upper part of the refrigerator
The process begins with the top door, if we are talking about a two-chamber model, or with a single door in a single-chamber version. First you need to remove the decorative plugs that hide the top hinge mounting bolts. They are usually made of plastic and can be easily removed using a thin screwdriver or knife.
After releasing the fasteners, do not rush to immediately unscrew the bolts completely. The door may be under tension, and abruptly releasing the lock will cause it to fall. It is better to first slightly loosen the fastenings, holding the sash with your second hand or ask an assistant to fix its position.
If there are controls or a display on the top panel, you must exercise maximum caution. Electrical cables leading to the control panel often run inside or near the door hinge. They should not be pulled or pinched. Some models require you to carefully disconnect the connectors after taking a photo of the wiring diagram.
After disconnecting all communications and loosening the bolts, the top hinge can be removed. The door is carefully set aside, resting on a prepared soft surface. Now access to the internal mechanisms and the middle part of the case opens.
Removing the door and dismantling the fittings
The removed door must be freed from elements. At this stage, the old handles are removed if the design involves transferring them to the other side. To do this, unscrew the screws from the inside of the canvas. If the handle is hidden or integrated, this step is skipped.
It is important to check the condition sealing rubber. While the door is removed, there is an excellent opportunity to assess its integrity, clean it of dirt, or replace it if damaged. The new rubber will provide better tightness and reduce the energy consumption of the unit.
There are holes left in the vacant handle installation area. They must be closed with special plugs, which usually come with the refrigerator or are located in niches on the opposite side. If there are no plugs, they can be ordered separately or carefully painted over to maintain an aesthetic appearance.
- 🚪 Remove the old handles by unscrewing the screws from the inside.
- 🕳️ Close the vacated holes with plastic plugs.
- 🧹 Clean the ends of the door from dust and old grease.
- 🔍 Check the integrity of the magnetic seal around the perimeter.
Some models Bosch or Siemens have specific guides for shelves on the door. When rehanging, it may be necessary to rearrange the shelves or stops themselves so that they do not interfere with opening in a new direction. Study the internal structure of the canvas.
Transfer of fasteners and hinges
The most crucial moment is the transfer of metal fittings to the opposite side. At the end of the door and on the body of the refrigerator there are symmetrical holes closed with plastic plugs. It is necessary to remove the fastener from the working side and move it to the new one.
It often happens that the threaded holes on the new side are closed with factory plugs. They need to be carefully removed. In some cases, there may be no holes for threads on the non-working side - then the existing sockets, but covered with plastic, are used. Do not drill new holes in the refrigerator body, this will disrupt the thermal insulation and lead to corrosion.
Hinges also require attention. The upper and lower supports may be asymmetrical. If the loop has a strictly defined shape, it must be turned over or replaced with a mirror one, if provided by the kit. In most modern models, the loops are universal and simply rearranged to the other side.
| Element | Action | Important detail |
|---|---|---|
| Top loop | Transfer to the other side | Check the length of the pin |
| Bottom loop | Replace or flip | Monitor the level |
| Handle | Installation with a new one sides | Use new screws |
| Plugs | Close the old holes | Select by color |
When tightening the bolts, do not use excessive force. Aluminum alloys, from which the body is often made, are easy to tear off. Fixation should be reliable, but without fanaticism. Use washers, if provided by the design, to prevent play.
☑️ Checklist before installation
Installing the door in a new location
After preparing all attachment points, you can begin installation. The door is carefully lifted and placed on the lower axis. It is better to perform this action together, since the door leaf with shelves can be quite heavy, and there is a risk of dropping it or damaging the floor covering.
Having hit the pin with the bottom hole, the door is aligned vertically and the top hinge is applied. Insert the mounting bolts and begin to tighten them. At this stage, the bolts are not fully tightened, leaving a small gap for final adjustment.
⚠️ Attention: Make sure that the electrical wires (if any) are not pinched between the metal parts of the hinge and the body. Damage to the insulation can lead to a short circuit.
Pay special attention to models with the system No Frost. They often contain additional air ducts or sensors that can be used in the door design. Make sure that when closing the door there is nothing preventing a tight seal.
If you are moving the door on a two-chamber refrigerator, repeat the procedure for the lower chamber. It is important to maintain the correct sequence here: first, the lower door is installed, then the upper one, to ensure correct overlap of the doors when closed.
Adjustment and tightness testing
The final stage is adjusting the position of the doors. Using a building level, check that the installation is vertical. If the door is skewed, it will not fit tightly, which will lead to ice freezing and increased energy consumption. Adjustment is carried out by tightening the support legs of the refrigerator or loosening/tightening the hinge bolts.
Check the tightness of the seal. To do this, you can use a simple test with a sheet of paper: clamp the sheet between the door and the body in different places around the perimeter. It must be pulled out with force. If the paper falls out freely, adjustment of the hinges is required.
What to do if the door slams?
If the door closes too tightly or, on the contrary, slams, check that the refrigerator is installed horizontally. Often it is enough to twist the front legs a little to create a slight tilt of the body back.
After mechanical adjustment, connect the refrigerator to the network. Let it work for 15-20 minutes and check if condensation or frost appears at the joints. Tightness is the main indicator of quality work done.
- 📐 Check the verticality of the door leaf with a level.
- 📄 Carry out a test with a sheet of paper around the entire perimeter.
- ❄️ Make sure there are no cracks or gaps after closing.
- 🔌 Turn on the refrigerator and check the operation after 20 minutes.
In some cases, it may be necessary to re-tighten the bolts after day of operation, since the metal may “shrink” a little under load. Periodically check the tightness of the closure in the first days after rehanging.
Common mistakes and expert advice
When performing work independently, beginners often make mistakes that can negate all efforts. One of the most common is the loss of small parts (washers, bushings, plugs). To avoid this, it is better to put all removed elements in a separate container and sort them.
Another mistake is ignoring the instructions for a specific model. The design of loops in Samsung can differ radically from Liebherr. An attempt to apply force where a specific key is needed often leads to the edges of the bolts being licked off.
⚠️ Attention: If during the process you find cracks on the body or damage to the threads, do not continue assembly. Operating a refrigerator with a damaged body may be unsafe.
Also, do not forget about cleanliness. While the door is removed, it would be ideal to wipe the internal surfaces and hinges themselves from old grease and dust. The new lubricant will adhere better and the mechanism will operate more quietly. Use only special lubricants recommended by the manufacturer.
Following all recommendations will allow you to successfully change the side of door opening and adapt the refrigerator to a new kitchen layout without involving specialists.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to hang the door on the refrigerator if there are no holes on the other sides?
Unfortunately, if there are no factory holes and seats on the opposite side of the body and door leaf, then it is impossible to rehang the door. The manufacturer does not provide such an option for this model, and drilling new holes will damage the thermal insulation layer.
Does it need to defrost the refrigerator before twisting the doors?
Yes, this is highly recommended. Defrosting will prevent water from getting on the electrical components when the unit is tilted, and will also make the refrigerator itself lighter, which will make it easier to manipulate.
What to do if, after installation, the door does not close completely?
Most likely, the geometry of the installation is broken. Check whether the refrigerator is level on the floor and adjust the height of the support legs. Also make sure that the seal is not folded inward and there is nothing preventing it from closing (for example, shelves or food).
Will the warranty be lost if you rehang the doors yourself?
In most cases, if you do not damage the unit during operation, the warranty will remain valid. However, some service centers may refuse free repairs if they find traces of self-tampering. It is better to clarify this point in the warranty card.