The situation when, after a purchase or move, it turns out that refrigerator door opens in the wrong direction is familiar to many. This creates inconvenience when cooking, interferes with passage, or simply disrupts the ergonomics of the kitchen. Fortunately, most modern models from Indesit, Beko, Atlant and LG allow you to change the opening side.
The rehanging process does not require calling a specialist and special skills if you act carefully and consistently. In this material we will analyze all the nuances, show which tools are needed, and explain how to avoid common mistakes when dismantling heavy sashes.
Before starting work, be sure to disconnect the unit from the power supply. This is a basic safety rule that cannot be ignored, even if you are simply changing the position of the hinges. Next, you should free up space around the equipment for easy access from all sides.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
To successfully complete the task, you will need a minimum set of home craftsman. The main tool will be screwdriver or a set of screwdrivers (phillips and flat). Also, a 10 mm open-end wrench, which is often required for fixing fasteners, will not be superfluous.
It is important to prepare a soft substrate, for example, a thick blanket or several towels. You will place the removed elements on them so as not to scratch the floor and itself facade panel. If the door is equipped with magnetic handles or decorative overlays, prepare a container for small parts.
- 🔧 Set of screwdrivers (PH1, PH2, flat).
- 🔑 Open-end wrench (usually 8, 10 or 12 mm).
- 🛡️ Soft bedding (blanket, rug).
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect your hands.
Make sure there is good lighting in the work area. Poor visibility may cause you to miss an important fastening element or damage the seal if handled carelessly.
⚠️ Attention: Some refrigerator models, especially built-in or premium ones, may have hidden fasteners under decorative plugs. Carefully inspect the hinges before applying force.
If you plan to do the work alone, make sure that the floor is level and there is nothing preventing you from moving the unit away. It is better to move heavy two-chamber models with an assistant, since the weight of the door can reach 20-30 kg.
Removing the top panel and top hinge
The first stage of work is to remove the top cover of the refrigerator (if there is one) and freeing the top hinge. On many models, such as Stinol or Atlant, the cover is held on by two screws at the front or simply secured with latches.
Carefully unscrew the fasteners and remove the panel. Below this you will see the top hinge that holds the door in place. Before unscrewing the hinge bolts, it is recommended to secure the door in the closed position with masking tape to prevent it from falling.
Use open-end wrench to loosen the top hinge bolts. Do not remove them completely until you are ready to remove the door. After loosening the fasteners, carefully lift the sash, removing it from the lower pin.
☑️ Removing the upper part
Put the door laid aside on a prepared soft surface with the outer side down. Be careful with the shelves on the door - it is better to remove them first so that they do not fall out and break the glass or plastic.
Removing the door and rearranging the fittings
Now that the door has been removed, you need to prepare it for installation on the other side. At the end you will see holes for hinges and possibly plugs. Your task is to rearrange handle (if it is non-removable) and rehang the strikers.
If the handle is secured with screws from the bottom or top, unscrew them and move the element to the opposite side, using the holes provided by the manufacturer. In some models Samsung or LG the handles may be hidden, and then this step is skipped.
Pay special attention to the holes for the hinges. Those of them that are now on top or bottom (depending on the design) must be closed with plastic plugs. Usually a set of plugs comes with the refrigerator in a bag with documents.
What to do if the plugs are lost?
If the factory plugs are lost, you can use plastic dowels of a suitable diameter, carefully cutting them flush with the surface, or cover the hole with a decorative sticker in the color of the case.
Don't forget to check the status sealing rubber band. While the door is removed, it is convenient to wipe it and check the tightness of the fit. If the rubber band is deformed, you can try straightening it with a hairdryer or replacing it.
Installing the bottom hinge and hanging the door
The next step is to work with the bottom part of the unit. You need to remove the bottom hinge from the current side and install it on the opposite side. Often this requires removing the base grille or the plastic cover at the bottom of the refrigerator.
Unscrew the bottom hinge and move it to the new side, tightening the bolts with force, but without fanaticism, so as not to strip the threads. Make sure that the hinge pin points straight up - this is critical for proper closure.
Now the most crucial moment: hanging the door. You will need an assistant to hold the sash while you press the bottom hinge hole onto the pin. After installation, check that the door sits level and does not warp.
| Element | Action | Tool |
|---|---|---|
| Bottom hinge | Repositioning to a new one side | Key 10 mm |
| Door | Installation on a pin | Assistant |
| Top hinge | Installation and fixation | Screwdriver/Key |
| Plugs | Installation in old holes | Hands |
⚠️ Attention: When hanging the door, pay attention to the wiring harness if there is a display or lighting lamp in the door. Do not press the cable with the loop, this may lead to a short circuit.
Fixing the upper hinge and adjustment
After the door is installed on the lower pin, we proceed to install the upper hinge on the new side. Insert the bolts into the holes and tighten them by hand to ensure correct positioning.
Tighten the top hinge fasteners. Now you can remove the fixing tape and check the operation of the door. It should open smoothly, without creaking or jamming. If the door closes on its own or, conversely, does not hold, it requires adjustment.
To adjust the tilt of the door, you can tighten the adjusting screws on the hinges (if they are provided for in the design) or adjust the height of the legs of the refrigerator itself. Tilt of the housing back ensures automatic closing.
Reinstall the top cover of the refrigerator and all decorative trims. Check that all the plugs are in place and do not spoil the appearance of the equipment.
Checking tightness and typical errors
After completing installation, be sure to check the tightness of the seal around the entire perimeter. To do this, you can use a simple test with a sheet of paper: hold the sheet with a door and try to pull it out. It should be pulled out with force along its entire length.
A common mistake is insufficient tightening of the bolts, which leads to misalignment and loose closure. Also, users often forget to rearrange the plugs, leaving the holes open, which looks unaesthetic.
- ❌ Error: They forgot to remove the shipping bolts (if they get in the way).
- ❌ Error: They mixed up the side of the hinge installation (left/right).
- ❌ Error: The seal was damaged with a sharp tool.
If you notice that after moving the door does not fit tightly in one of the corners, try loosening the hinge fastenings, pressing the door harder and tightening the bolts again. Sometimes it is necessary to repeat the procedure 2-3 times for an ideal result.
⚠️ Attention: The design of the hinges may vary depending on the year of manufacture and model. If you see that the holes do not line up, check the instructions for your specific model Indesit, Beko or another brand.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to rearrange the door on a refrigerator without a handle?
Yes, on models with integrated With (hidden) handles, the process is even simpler, since there is no need to dismantle and rearrange the fittings on the door leaf. It is enough to reposition the hinges themselves.
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before rearranging?
It is advisable, but not strictly necessary if you work quickly. However, complete defrosting will lighten the weight of the unit and allow it to be safely tilted if access to the lower fastenings is required.
What to do if there are not enough holes for hanging?
In 99% of cases, the holes are already drilled by the manufacturer and closed with plugs. If they really are not there (in old or budget models), self-drilling can break the tightness of the circuit and lead to corrosion.
How long does it take to rehang the door?
For an experienced craftsman, this takes 15-20 minutes. If you have no experience and have an assistant, count on 40-60 minutes, including time for finding tools and careful installation.
Does re-hanging a door affect the warranty?
Re-hanging a door yourself, as a rule, does not void the warranty unless parts are damaged, fasteners are broken or the integrity of the body is damaged in the process. However, if you break the thread or break the glass, the service center may refuse free repairs.