The situation when, after purchasing household appliances, it turns out that refrigerator door opens in the wrong direction is familiar to many. A narrow corridor, an inconvenient location of an outlet, or simply the peculiarities of the kitchen layout can make standard opening impossible. Fortunately, most modern models from Indesit, Bosch, LG and Atlant provide the ability to reinstall the canvas hanger.
This procedure does not require calling a specialist and can be performed independently in 30–40 minutes. However, the process requires care, since careless handling of accessories or glass can lead to damage to the equipment. It is important to understand that the design of hinges from different manufacturers differs significantly.
In this article we will analyze the universal algorithm of actions, consider the nuances for different brands and answer frequently asked questions. Properly performed reweighing will ensure a tight fit of the seal and a long service life of the compressor, since the door will not open spontaneously.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
Before proceeding with dismantling, it is necessary to prepare the working space. Refrigerator should be moved away from the wall, ensuring free access from all sides. If the floor in the room is slippery, it is better to lay cardboard or thick fabric so as not to scratch the coating when moving equipment.
For work you will need a minimum set of tools. Usually a Phillips screwdriver, open-end wrenches (often 8, 10 or 12 mm sizes) and hex keys are sufficient. Some models Samsung or Haier may require special keys included with purchase.
- 🛠️ A set of screwdrivers (phillips and flat) for removing decorative plugs.
- 🔧 Open-end wrenches or heads with a ratchet for unscrewing the hinge bolts.
- 📏 Construction level for checking the horizontal position after installation.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal edges.
Be sure to clear the door shelves from products and remove removable elements. This will reduce the weight of the structure and prevent heavy objects from falling during operation. It is also recommended to photograph the original position of the mechanisms, so that in case of doubt you can refer to the photo.
Dismantling the upper part and removing the door leaf
The process begins with the top hinge, since it is this that holds the main weight of the door. First you need to remove the decorative panel or plug that hides the fasteners. For models Atlant and Stinol this is often a simple plastic cover that can be removed with light force.
After accessing the bolts, they need to be loosened, but not completely unscrewed until the door is fixed. If the refrigerator is two-compartment, first remove the top freezer door. While holding the blade, completely unscrew the top hinge bolts.
⚠️ Attention: The top hinge is often equipped with a pin. When removing the door, be careful not to let it fall or get lost. In some models Liebherr the pin may be spring-loaded.
It is better to remove the door with an assistant. The blade is heavy and can shift the center of gravity of the unit. Carefully lift the door off the bottom pin and set it aside in a safe place, preferably on a soft surface.
Flipping the bottom hinge and relocating the supports
The bottom support is a critical element in ensuring the correct position of the door relative to the body. On many refrigerators, such as Beko or Candy, the bottom hinge is a plate that needs to be moved to the opposite side.
To do this, unscrew the mounting bolts on one side and screw them into the provided technological holes on the other. Pay attention to the presence of adjustment screws. They allow you to compensate for uneven floors and ensure tight closure.
| Hinge type | Material | Installation features | Tool |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pin | Steel | Inserted into the body | Key 10 mm |
| Strap | Aluminum | Requires rearrangement | Phillips screwdriver |
| Hidden | Alloys | Located inside | Hexagon |
If there is a plug at the future installation site of the lower hinge, it must be removed and install it in the free space. Often these plugs have a conical shape and can be easily removed with a knife or screwdriver.
☑️ Checking the lower support
Modernization of handles and fittings
After physically rearranging the canvas, it is necessary to adapt the fittings. If your refrigerator has hidden or integrated handles, the trim trim may need to be rearranged. Models Gorenje and Electrolux often have profile handles that need to be turned over.
Inspect the door carefully. On the reverse side there may be holes for fastening the handle, closed with plastic plugs. Carefully remove the plugs from the new front side and install them in the old place to hide the voids.
In some cases, it is necessary to replace the handles themselves with symmetrical analogues. This is typical for older models or budget lines, where the design does not provide versatility. Make sure that the latch mechanism (if there is one in the handle) functions correctly.
⚠️ Attention: Do not mix up the left and right handles if they have an asymmetrical shape. Installing the wrong handle may make it impossible to open the door or damage the lock mechanism.
What to do if the holes do not line up?
In some refrigerator models (especially older years), the pattern of holes may not line up perfectly after transfer. In this case, you can use additional spacers under the hinge or carefully drill holes if the door design allows it (usually in the metal part, not in the plastic).
Installing the door and final adjustment
The final stage is hanging the door. Place the blade on the lower pin, making sure it fits into the hole. Then put the top hinge on and tighten the bolts. Do not tighten them completely right away.
Using a building level, check the vertical position. The door must be strictly perpendicular to the floor. If there is a tilt, use the adjustment screws on the bottom support or the feet of the refrigerator itself to level.
Once leveled, tighten all fasteners securely. Check the operation of the door: it should open smoothly, without squeaks, and fit snugly to the body around the entire perimeter. The sealing rubber should evenly touch the metal.
Frequent errors and troubleshooting
When re-hanging them yourself, users often encounter typical problems. One of them is the skew of the door, when the upper corner does not adhere to the body. This can be solved by adjusting the height of the refrigerator legs or tightening the top hinge.
Another problem is spontaneous opening of the door. This can happen if the refrigerator is not level (tilted backwards). Also, the cause may be a swollen seal or a too tight spring in the mechanism.
- 🚫 The door creaks: it is necessary to lubricate the hinges with edible oil or silicone grease.
- 🚫 The door slams when closing: check that the seal is clean and there is no distortion.
- 🚫 Gaps are forming: the seal may be deformed, it needs to be warmed up with a hairdryer.
If after all the manipulations the door does not close tightly, check the cleanliness of the magnetic tape and the body itself. Sometimes it is enough to simply wipe the contact surfaces with a damp cloth.
⚠️ Attention: If you own a refrigerator with a No Frost system, be careful when working with the top part, where the air ducts are often located. Damage to the plastic channels can disrupt the circulation of cold air.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Is it possible to hang the door on a built-in refrigerator?
Yes, it is possible, but the procedure is more complicated. It is necessary to take into account fastenings to the furniture facade. Often it is necessary to rehang not only the refrigerator door, but also the furniture pad, which may require additional holes in the facade.
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before work?
Full defrosting is not necessary if you work quickly. However, if there is a lot of ice in the freezer, it is better to defrost the unit in advance so that water does not flow when tilting or removing the doors.
Will the warranty remain valid after rehanging the door?
According to the law, re-hanging the door yourself, as provided for by the design, should not void the warranty if you have not damaged the equipment. However, some service centers may be skeptical. Keep all removed parts.
What to do if the hinge pin is lost?
The pin is a standard element. You can buy it at a fastener store, selecting it by diameter, or order an original spare part from the manufacturer. You can temporarily use a bolt of a suitable diameter, but this is not recommended for permanent use.