Many owners of household appliances are faced with a situation when the kitchen layout changes, and the standard location of the refrigerator is no longer convenient. If the door opens into the wall or interferes with the passage, the only solution is to hang it. For brand equipment Indesit this procedure is quite doable at home, but requires accuracy and precise adherence to the sequence of actions.
The process of rearranging doors does not require specialized engineering education, however, ignoring design features a specific model can lead to damage to the hinges or a leak. Modern Indesit refrigerators are equipped with both hidden and visible hinges, which affects the set of necessary tools. It is important to understand that you are working with heavy equipment, where each screw plays a role in holding a multi-ton load during operation.
Before you begin dismantling, you need to prepare the workspace. Make sure that the floor under your feet is not slippery, and that there is a table or cabinet nearby where you can put the removed parts. Correct organization of the workplace will protect small screws from loss and avoid scratches on the body of the unit. In this article we will analyze in detail all the stages, from preparation to the final adjustment of the gaps.
Necessary tools and preparation
The quality of the work performed directly depends on what you use. For most models Indesit a standard DIY kit will be quite sufficient, but there are nuances. The main tool will be hex wrench or a Phillips screwdriver, the size of which must exactly match the heads of the screws so as not to tear off their slots.
You will also need a flat screwdriver to remove decorative plugs and plastic elements. In some cases, if the screws are stuck or too tightly tightened by the manufacturer, the help of pliers may be required, but they should be used with extreme caution so as not to damage the chrome plating.
Remember to prepare a container for fasteners. Small bolts tend to get lost in the carpet pile or roll under furniture, so it’s better to immediately put them in a magnetic tray or jar. Separately, it is worth noting the need to have an assistant to hold the door leaf, since the weight of even an empty refrigerator door is significant.
- 🔧 Phillips screwdriver (size PH2 or PH3)
- 🔩 Hex key (usually 4 mm or 5 mm)
- 🔪 Flat-head screwdriver for plugs
- 📦 Screw storage container
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands
It is important that all tools are in good working order and clean. Dirt or oil on the blade of a screwdriver can stain the inside surface of the refrigerator, which will then take a long time to wash. Also check that there is good lighting in the work area, as some fasteners are located in darkened niches.
Safety measures and preparation of the refrigerator
The first and most critical step is to ensure safety. Before any manipulations with electrical appliances, it is necessary turn off the power. Unplug the cord from the outlet to eliminate the risk of a short circuit or accidental activation of the compressor during work.
Next, you should completely empty the refrigerator of its contents. A door loaded with food is much heavier, and the risk of dropping it or damaging shelves when tilted increases many times over. Remove all drawers, shelves and containers, and remove removable parts from the door itself, if possible.
⚠️ Warning: Do not attempt to rearrange the door without removing the glass shelves. Vibration or misalignment can cause them to fall and break.
After unloading, let the equipment sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the refrigerant and oil in the compressor to settle, although this is less critical with the power off than with the power on. Wipe the external surfaces from dust so that it does not get inside the mechanisms during dismantling. Make sure that the refrigerator is stable and not tilted towards the door being removed.
Removing the top part and handle
Work always starts from the top. Depending on the model Indesit, the top panel can be removable or be part of the body with a decorative overlay. If your model has a top cover, you must carefully remove it by first unscrewing the fixing screws from the back or bottom.
The next step is to remove the handle. In most modern models, the handle is secured with screws, access to which is blocked by decorative plugs. Gently pry them off with a flathead screwdriver. Be careful: the plastic on old refrigerators can be fragile, so apply the force evenly.
After removing the handle, access to the upper door fastening opens. The main top bracket or loop is located here. Before unscrewing the screws, make sure that the door shelf is securely fixed or held by an assistant. Loosen the screws, but do not remove them completely until the door is ready to be removed.
If the refrigerator model includes an upper decorative strip that hides the hinges, it must also be removed. It is usually held in place by latches or small screws. By removing the bar, you will have full access to the upper hinge mechanism.
Removing the door leaf
Now comes the most crucial moment - the physical separation of the door from the body. At this point, the top screws should be unscrewed, but the hinge itself can remain in place for now or be removed along with the door, depending on the design. Have an assistant firmly grasp the top and bottom of the door.
Gently lift the door up to remove it from the bottom axis. Models Indesit often use a lower sleeve or pin that fits into the mating part of the hinge. The movement must be strictly vertical, without distortions, so as not to bend the metal pin.
After removing the door, put it in a safe place, preferably on a soft surface (rug, blanket), face up. Now you can completely remove the top hinge from the refrigerator body. Save all the screws, they will be needed for installation on the other side.
- 📸 Take a photo of the fastening before removing
- 🤝 Be sure to have an assistant remove the door
- 🛡️ Use a soft backing for the removed door
Carefully inspect the removed door. The mating parts of the hinges or bushings may remain on it. They also need to be moved to the opposite side, if the design allows for this. Often on the back side of the door there are already ready-made threaded holes, closed with plastic plugs.
Rearranging the lower supports and hinges
The lower part of the refrigerator requires special attention, since this is where the main load is located. You need to find the bottom hinge and adjustment mechanism. In most cases, the lower hinge is secured with bolts that need to be unscrewed.
After dismantling the lower hinge on the left side, find similar holes on the right side. If there are plastic plugs there, remove them. Move the metal loop to a new location and securely fasten with bolts. Do not tighten them all the way right away, leave a small gap for final adjustment.
Pay special attention pin to the axis on which the door will rest. Make sure it is installed vertically and has no play. If the refrigerator came with special bushings for hanging, install them according to the diagram in the instructions.
| Element | Action | Tool |
|---|---|---|
| Bottom hinge | Dismantling and transfer | Hex / Screwdriver |
| Support sleeve | Repositioning to a new socket | Flat screwdriver |
| Decorative plug | Closing old holes | Hands |
| Adjusting screw | Loosening for installation | Engine key |
Check that all fasteners are tightened evenly. Misalignment of the lower support will lead to the door opening spontaneously or, conversely, requiring excessive effort.
Installing the door on a new side
After preparing the fasteners, you can start hanging the door. Lift the door leaf and carefully slide it onto the lower axle. Make sure that the pin fits exactly into the bushing. If the door does not fall into place, do not use force - check the alignment of the lower hinge.
Now you need to install the upper hinge on the new side. Attach the bracket to the chassis and insert the screws. At this stage, it is important not to pinch the door, but also not to leave it dangling. It is optimal to first tighten all the screws, and then gradually tighten them diagonally.
If your model Indesit provides for rearranging the handle, install it in a new place. Often this requires simply turning the handle over or rearranging the fasteners to symmetrical holes. Make sure that the handle does not touch the body when opening.
☑️ Control of door installation
After installing the top hinge, you can finally tighten all the bolts. Check that there is an even gap between the door and the body around the entire perimeter. This guarantees proper operation of the seal and preservation of cold.
Adjustment and leak testing
The final stage is adjustment. Even with an ideal installation, doors may be required. To do this, use the adjusting screws on the bottom hinge or the support legs of the refrigerator itself. By rotating them, ensure that the door opens smoothly and closes itself in the extreme position. height adjustment doors. To do this, use the adjusting screws on the bottom hinge or the support legs of the refrigerator itself. By rotating them, ensure that the door opens smoothly and closes itself in the extreme position.
Check the tightness of the seal. Take a piece of paper and clamp it around the perimeter of the door. If the sheet is pulled out with force along its entire length, everything is fine. If in some places the paper slides freely, then there is a gap there.
⚠️ Attention: If after adjustment the gaps remain, the seal may be deformed. Try heating it with a hair dryer at a low temperature to restore elasticity.
Also check the operation of the light switch and the correct closing. The door should close tightly, without clicking or jamming. If everything is in order, you can install shelves and load products.
What to do if the door is skewed?
If you notice a skew, loosen the screws of the top hinge, visually align the door and tighten the fasteners again. Sometimes it is necessary to place a thin washer under one of the sides of the lower hinge.
Plug in the refrigerator only after making sure that all fasteners are secure. Let the appliance run for 2-3 hours without loading to allow the temperature to stabilize before filling it with food.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
One common mistake is losing screws or getting them mixed up. The fasteners for the top and bottom hinges may differ in length. Driving a long screw into a short hole can damage the housing or threads.
Another mistake is ignoring the floor level. If the refrigerator is on an uneven floor, the door may open by itself or not close completely. Always use a building level to check the horizontal position.
- ❌ Forget about plugs on old holes
- ❌ Tug the door strongly when removing
- ❌ Tighten the screws without prior alignment
Be careful about the plastic ones elements. At low temperatures (if the refrigerator was in an unheated room), the plastic becomes brittle. Allow the equipment to warm up to room temperature before starting work.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Do I need to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging?
Yes, this is required. In addition to removing food from the refrigerator, it must be completely defrosted and wiped dry. Water can leak out when tilted and damage the electrics or the floor.
Is it possible to hang the door alone?
Theoretically it is possible, but it is highly not recommended. The door is heavy and bulky, there is a high risk of dropping it, damaging the floor or getting injured. Always call an assistant.
Will the warranty remain valid after re-hanging?
Repositioning the door yourself, as a rule, does not void the warranty if you have not damaged the body, have not torn off the seals on the compressor and have not broken parts in the process. However, if the service center finds traces of careless intervention, the warranty case may not be accepted.
What to do if the holes on the door do not fit?
In 99% of cases on the doors Indesit the holes are symmetrical. If you don't see any holes, check to see if they are covered with decorative plugs on the back side. Rare models may not support overhang, but this is indicated in the instructions.
Do I need to wait after turning it on?
After installation and loading with food, it is advisable to let the refrigerator run for several hours. If you simply hung the door, but did not disturb the refrigerant circuit, it is not necessary to wait a day; stabilization of the temperature is enough.