Changing the opening side of the refrigerator door is often a necessary procedure that allows you to adapt large household appliances to the specific layout of the kitchen. Many owners are faced with a situation where a refrigerator purchased in a store, after being delivered home, becomes inconvenient to use due to the fact that the door opens in the wrong direction. This may prevent adjacent cabinets from fully opening or make it difficult to access shelves. Fortunately, most modern models, be it Indesit, LG or Atlant, provide the ability to reinstall the hinges.
The re-hanging process does not require calling a specialist and special technical knowledge, however, it definitely requires accuracy and the availability of a basic set of tools. The key point here is a correct understanding of the design specifically for your model, since fastening systems may differ significantly. In some cases, a simple rearrangement of the fittings is sufficient, in others, complete disassembly of the front panel is required. It is important to take your time and strictly follow the sequence of actions so as not to damage expensive elements of the case or the door itself.
Before starting work, you need to clear the space in front of the refrigerator and prepare a flat surface for storing dismantled parts. Safety is priority number one, so the first step should always be to turn it off device from the mains. Even if electricity does not appear to be involved in the mechanical process, accidentally turning on the compressor or light while manipulating the wiring may result in a short circuit or injury.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to remove the plug from the outlet. Working with live electrical appliances is strictly prohibited by safety regulations.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
To successfully complete the task of changing the opening side, you will need a minimum set of tools, which is usually found in the drawer of any home craftsman. The main tool will be screwdriver or a set of screwdrivers with different attachments, since the mounting screws may have different heads. It would also be a good idea to prepare a wrench if the hinges are bolted, and pliers for removing the plugs.
The organization of the workspace plays a critical role in the speed and quality of the work. It is recommended to cover the floor in front of the refrigerator with a soft material, such as a blanket or thick cardboard, so that the parts placed on it will not be scratched. It is best to place all removed screws, washers and small items in a separate container so that they do not get lost or roll under the furniture.
- 🛠️ Phillips and flathead screwdrivers (or a screwdriver with a set of bits).
- 🔑 Wrench (often a size of 8 or 10 mm is required).
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges.
- 🧼 Rags and cleaning agent to remove dust from the hinge area.
Some models of refrigerators, especially built-in or premium ones, can be equipped with a special hanging kit, which is sold separately or comes complete with documentation. Carefully read the instructions for your device: it may indicate whether additional parts are needed, such as extended pins or special decorative trims. The lack of necessary components may make it impossible to complete the procedure without ordering spare parts.
Removing the top panel and top hinge
The re-hanging process always starts from the top of the refrigeration unit. The first step is to remove the top cover of the case, if it is structurally provided for in your model. It is usually secured with latches or a few screws on the back. Carefully move the cover forward or upward to gain access to the upper door fasteners.
Next, unscrew the fasteners top hinge. Depending on the design, the screws may be located on the top or side of the hinge. If the screws are hidden by decorative plugs, they must be carefully pryed out with a flat-head screwdriver. When unscrewing, hold the door with your second hand or ask an assistant, since after removing the top fastening the door will only be held on the bottom hinge and may fall.
⚠️ Attention: The refrigerator door is heavier than it seems, especially if it has glass shelves. Be sure to secure its position before completely removing the top screws to avoid hitting the floor or damaging the floor covering.
After removing the top fasteners, the door is lifted and removed from the bottom pin. Now you can completely dismantle the top hinge itself. Pay attention to its design: often one side of the loop has threaded holes, and the other is smooth. To install on the opposite side, you may need to reverse the hinge or use the symmetrical holes provided by the manufacturer.
☑️ Check before removing the door
Removing the door and rearranging the handles
When the door is removed from the body, it should be placed on a prepared soft surface with the outer side up. At this stage, permutation handlesis often required, if the model allows it. In some refrigerators, the handles are symmetrical and do not require rearrangement; in others, you need to unscrew the fastening screws from the inside of the door (often they are hidden under plugs) and move the handle to the opposite edge.
If in your model the handle is integrated into the profile or is part of the design that cannot be removed, this step is skipped. However, if the handle is separate, make sure you use all the original screws and spacers when re-installing. The loss of even one small washer can cause the handle to dangle or creak during operation.
Also at this stage you need to take care of the holes at the end of the door. The places where the hinges and handle were previously attached must be covered with decorative plugs. Usually they come with the refrigerator or are already installed in the free holes on the other side. Their installation may require light tapping, but be careful not to damage the plastic or enamel.
What to do if the plugs are lost?
If the decorative plugs are lost, the holes can be carefully sealed with pieces of self-adhesive film in the color of the body or use special furniture stickers. This will prevent moisture and dust from entering the door structure, which is especially important for metal surfaces to avoid corrosion.
Working with the lower hinge and pin
The lower part of the door is attached to the refrigerator body by means of bottom hinge and a pin. After the door is removed, it is necessary to remove the bottom hinge on one side and install it on the opposite side. This often requires removing the plinth grille or decorative panel at the bottom of the refrigerator to gain access to the mounting bolts.
Particular attention should be paid to the condition of the pin. This is the metal rod that the door fits onto. If traces of rust or wear are visible on it, it is better to replace it or lubricate it with graphite lubricant. In some models, the pin is part of the bottom hinge, in others it is screwed into the body separately. When rearranging, make sure that the new pin is screwed in all the way and securely fixed.
| Element | Action when rehanging | Nuances |
|---|---|---|
| Upper loop | Rearrange to the other side | May require turning over |
| Bottom hinge | Remove and install mirrored | Often hidden behind the base |
| Pin | Rearrange into a symmetrical hole | Check for grease |
| Plugs | Close the old holes | Select by color and size |
Don't forget to check that the fasteners are complete. Sometimes screws of different lengths are used for the left and right sides. Using a screw that is too long can cause damage to the interior of the door or frame, while using a screw that is too short can result in structural failure. Compare the threaded connections visually before final tightening.
Installing the door on the new side
After preparing all the fasteners on the new side, you can begin installing the door. It is better to perform this stage with an assistant, since you need to simultaneously hold the heavy door, get the pin into the hinge hole and control the position of the body. Carefully place the bottom hole of the door onto the installed pin and make sure that it sits evenly.
Next installation is carried out top hinge on the new side. Insert the door into the top mount and tighten the screws. Do not immediately tighten them all the way - first you need to align the door vertically and horizontally. The gaps between the door and the body must be uniform along the entire length, otherwise the refrigerator will not be airtight.
- 📐 Check the vertical installation using a level.
- 🚪 Make sure that the door opens smoothly and all the way.
- 🔩 Tighten all fastening screws completely after alignment.
- 🧲 Check the tightness of the seal around the entire perimeter.
Adjusting the position of the doors and checking the operation
The final stage is a thorough one. adjustment. If the door is skewed, it may not close until it clicks, or, conversely, it may open by itself due to the tilt of the refrigerator body. Adjustment is carried out using rotary supports at the bottom of the refrigerator: by twisting or unscrewing them, you can change the height of the front corners of the unit.
Check the operation of the closer mechanism, if it is provided in your model. The door should close on its own when opened at a certain angle. If the door of a refrigerator Side-by-Side or two-chamber unit has a magnetic lock, make sure that the opening force is normal. A door that is too tight may indicate misalignment or a problem with the seal.
⚠️ Attention: After re-hung doors, it may take time (from 2 to 24 hours) for the seal to fully adapt to the new position. During this period, the door may not close perfectly tightly - this is normal.
Start the refrigerator and let it work for several hours without loading food. Listen to the compressor: if the door is not installed correctly and is not sealed, the motor will run continuously, trying to gain temperature. Also check whether the door does not touch adjacent interior items when opening.
Common problems and their solutions
During the process of re-hanging on their own, users may encounter a number of difficulties. One common problem is misaligned mounting holes. This often happens if the refrigerator model is not universal for rehanging or if parts from another modification were used. In such cases, you should not drill new holes yourself, as this will compromise the integrity of the thermal insulation layer.
Another problem is the creaking of the hinges after installation. This can be solved by lubricating the rubbing surfaces with special oil or graphite lubricant. Under no circumstances use edible oils (sunflower, olive), as they dry out over time, form a sticky mass and begin to smell unpleasant.
If after all the manipulations there is a noticeable gap between the door and the body through which the cold escapes, try heating the seal with a hairdryer. Warm air will make the rubber more elastic, and it will quickly take the desired shape, ensuring a tight fit. However, heat it carefully so as not to melt the plastic.
Is it possible to rehang the door of a built-in refrigerator?
Yes, it is possible, but the process is more complicated. Built-in models are attached to the facade of the kitchen unit. You will need to remove the front panels, rehang them on the other side, and then repeat the procedure with the refrigerator door. Often, this requires special adapter strips included in the kit.
What to do if the screws are rusty and cannot be unscrewed?
Use a penetrating lubricant (for example, WD-40). Apply it to the thread and leave for 10-15 minutes. If this does not help, try gently heating the joint with a hair dryer, but do not overheat the enamel of the case.
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before re-hanging?
Complete defrosting is not necessary if you work quickly. However, it is recommended to remove all products and shelves from the door to reduce its weight and avoid glass elements falling during dismantling.
Why does the door not close tightly after reinstallation?
Most likely, the installation geometry of the hinges is broken or the refrigerator is not level. Check the adjustable feet: the front of the refrigerator should be slightly higher than the back so that the door closes under the influence of gravity.