Reversing the Stinol refrigerator door: video instructions and practical tips

Rearranging the doors on the refrigerator Stinol is a task that owners face when moving, renovating a kitchen, or simply wanting to optimize space. Despite the apparent complexity, the procedure is quite doable with your own hands if you know the key nuances of the design and avoid typical mistakes. In this article we will analyze the process step by step, supplement it video instructionswith fastening diagrams and practical tips that will save you time and nerves.

It is important to understand that models Stinol (especially series STN 165, STN 175, STN 190) have a unified door fastening system, but some modifications (for example, with a display or system No Frost) require additional manipulations. If your refrigerator was manufactured after 2018, check the presence plastic plugs on the hinges - their loss will lead to a violation of the seal.

Before you begin, answer yourself two questions: Do you need to rehang both doors (freezer and refrigeration chambers) or just one? And are you ready for the fact that after the procedure you may need Adjusting the hinges for a tight fit? If yes, let's get started!

Preparation: tools and safety

For the job you will need a minimum set of tools, but you won’t be able to do without them. Here's what you need to prepare:

• ⚒️ Phillips screwdriver (preferably with a magnetic tip - it's easier to unscrew screws from deep holes).
• 🔧 10 mm wrench (for some models Stinol with metal loops).
• 📏 Builder's level (to check the evenness of the door installation after rehanging).
• 🧲 Magnet or tape (to temporarily fix the removed door and avoid scratches).
• 🧴 Silicone grease (for processing hinges after assembly).

Before starting work be sure to unplug the refrigerator and defrost it (if the model is not No Frost). This will prevent short circuits and make it easier to manipulate the door. Please note that the weight of the refrigerator door can reach 10–15 kg, and the freezer door can reach up to 20 kg, so it is better to work with an assistant.

⚠️ Attention: If your Stinol equipped with a system Smart Control (electronic control), after rehanging the door you may need to reset settings through the menu. Otherwise, the sensors will generate an error E1 or E2.

Also prepare your workspace: lay cardboard or soft cloth on the floor so as not to scratch the refrigerator body when removing the door. If the model is provided with decorative covers for hinges, remove them carefully, prying them with a flat screwdriver - they often break if handled carelessly.

Scheme of fastening doors on Stinol refrigerators

Hinge design it differs from most brands (for example, Stinol different from most brands (eg. Atlant or Indesit) by having additional middle bracket on two-chamber models. This complicates the process, but makes it more reliable. Below is a typical diagram for models STN 165/175/190:

Pay special attention middle bracket —it often becomes a source of problems. If during assembly you do not tighten the bolts enough, the door will break over time, and if you overtighten, the hinges will begin to open. The optimal tightening torque is when the door is held firmly, but without play. sag over time, and if you overtighten, the loops will begin creak. The optimal tightening torque is when the door is held securely, but without play.

On models with No Frost (for example, Stinol STN 200) additionally check door opening sensor wiring. It runs inside the loop and can be damaged if removed carelessly. If after rehanging the refrigerator gives an error E4, it means that the sensor contacts have moved away.

What to do if the screws do not come out?

If the screws are “stuck” or rusty, use WD-40 or equivalent. Apply the product, wait 10-15 minutes and try again. Do not use excessive force - the broken thread will require replacement of the hinge.

Step-by-step instructions: how to remove the door

Let's start with dismantling. This stage is the most critical - mistakes here can lead to damage to the case or hinges. Follow the algorithm:

1. Remove the decorative trims from loops (if any). They are attached with latches or self-tapping screws. Pry them off with a flat blade screwdriver.
2. Open the door 90° and fix it in this position (for example, by placing a book). This will relieve the load on the hinges.
3. Unscrew the screws of the top hinge. Start with the visible screw, then remove the plug and unscrew the second one. Hold the door - it may fall!
4. Carefully remove the door from the lower hingelifting it up. If it is tight, check that all the screws are unscrewed.
5. Put the door on the prepared surface (for example, on a table covered with a blanket). Avoid scratches on the enamel.

For two-chamber models, the process is complicated by the middle bracket. After removing the top door, you need to:

• ✅ Unscrew the 4 bracket bolts with a 10 mm wrench.
• ✅ Remove the middle hinge and move it to the opposite side (the holes are already provided by the manufacturer).
• ✅ Repeat the procedure for the bottom door (freezer compartment).

If you are removing the door for the first time, take a photo of the location of the hinges and screws - this will help with reassembly. Pay attention to lock washers (if there are any) - they are easy to lose, and without them the door will hang.

Moving the hinges to the other side

Now you need to move the hinges to the opposite side of the body. The main thing here is not to confuse the upper and lower loops, since they are not interchangeable. Follow the instructions:

1. Remove the plugs from the holes on the other side of the case (they are usually plastic, pry with a screwdriver).
2. Move the hinges:
   • Install the upper hinge in a mirror image relative to the original position.
   • The middle bracket (for two-chamber models) can be rearranged entirely, without disassembly.
   • Turn the bottom hinge over and secure it to the new holes.

Tighten the screws in the following order:

1. Bottom hinge (first the hinge nut, then the screws).
2. Middle bracket (evenly, without distortions).
3. Top hinge (not all the way to adjustlater).

On models Stinol STN 165 i STN 175 holes for hinges symmetrical, but in some series (for example, STN 190) may be required drilling new holes. If you are not sure, check the presence of technological plugs on the other side of the case - their absence means that overhanging is not provided for by the design!

⚠️ Attention: On refrigerators with display on the door (for example, Stinol STN 205) after reweighing it may required reconnecting the power cable. If the screen does not light up, check the contacts for breaks.

After installing the hinges, do not rush to hang the door. First check:

• ✔️ Whether the holes on the door and hinges match.
• ✔️ Are there any distortions in the bracket (use a level).
• ✔️ Are all the screws tightened well (but not overtightened).

Door installation and adjustment

Now the most crucial moment is hanging the door. Do this carefully so as not to damage the hinges or the seal:

1. Place the door on the lower hingelifting it all the way.
2. Align the top part so that the holes coincide with the hinge.
3. Screw in the screws of the top hinge, but not all the way - leave room for adjustment.
4. Check the door movement:
   • It should open smoothly, without creaking.
   • Close with light force (if it’s tight, loosen the hinges).
   • Do not touch the body when opening 90°.

For adjustment, use hex wrench (usually included with the refrigerator). Tighten the hinge screws clockwise to raise the door or counterclockwise to lower it. If the door is skewed, loosen the top hinge and adjust the position manually.

After adjustment, check tightness: take a sheet of paper, insert it between the seal and the body and close the door. If the sheet pulls out without effort, the seal needs to be adjusted or replaced. On models with No Frost leakage will lead to icing of the evaporator error E3.

Typical mistakes and how to avoid them

Even with careful work, you can make mistakes that will lead to problems. Here are the most common of them and ways to eliminate them:

• 🔧 Door misalignment - occurs due to uneven tightening of the loops. Solution: loosen all the screws, level the door and tighten again.
• 🔊 Creak when opening indicates insufficient lubrication or overtightened hinges. Solution: apply silicone grease to the hinges and loosen the screws half a turn.
• 🚪 The door does not close tightly - the reason is a deformed seal or improper adjustment. Solution: check the seal for bends and adjust the height of the door.
• ⚡ Error E1/E2 on the display - means a problem with the opening sensor. Solution: check the wiring in the loop and the sensor contacts.

Another common problem is loss of screws or washers during operation. If you drop a part inside the housing, do not try to retrieve it yourself (risk of damaging the evaporator). It's better to contact a service center. For models Stinol original screws can be ordered by article number:

If, after rehanging, the refrigerator becomes vibrating more, check whether the door touches the housing when the compressor is running. This may indicate misalignment or loosening of fastenings.

Video instructions and additional resources

For clarity, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the video instructions for rehanging doors on refrigerators Stinol. Below are verified sources:

• 📹 Official Stinol channel —demonstration on the model STN 175 (emphasis on the middle bracket).
• 📹 Channel "Household Appliance Repair" —analysis of typical mistakes when outweighing.
• 📹 Video from the user - experience of moving the door to Stinol STN 190 s No Frost.

If you are looking for a video on a specific model, use a request like: "how to hang a Stinol door [your model] video". Pay attention to the year of release of the video - in models after 2020 there may be changes in the design of the hinges.

For owners of refrigerators with display it will be useful to study the cable connection diagram. On most models Stinol it runs inside the top loop and has plug connection. If after rehanging the screen does not work, check:

• The integrity of the wire (there are no kinks).
• The connector is connected correctly (it should click).
• Presence of power on the control board (if the screen does not respond at all).

⚠️ Attention: On some models (for example, Stinol STN 205) the display cable has a fixed length. If you are reversing the door on the side opposite the factory one, you may need extension of the wire or moving the control unit.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about reversing Stinol doors

Is it possible to rehang the door on a Stinol refrigerator yourself if you have no experience?

Yes, the procedure does not require professional skills, but it will require accuracy and patience. The main thing is to follow the instructions, take your time and check each step. If you doubt your abilities, practice removing and installing the door without reversing the hinges.

What to do if, after rehanging, the door does not close tightly?

There may be several reasons:

1. Incorrect adjustment of the hinges - loosen the screws and align the door level.
2. Deformation of the seal - warm it with a hairdryer or replace it.
3. Distortion of the refrigerator body - check the legs and align them.

Start by adjusting the hinges - this is the most common reason.

Is it necessary defrost the refrigerator before hanging the door?

If your model is not equipped with a system No Frost, defrosting is required. This will prevent moisture from getting on the electrical contacts and make the hinges easier to access. For No Frost defrosting is not required, but you still need to disconnect the refrigerator from the network.

How long does it take to rehang the door?

On average, the procedure takes from 1 to 2 hours if you are working for the first time. Experienced craftsmen can do it in 30–40 minutes. The most time is spent on adjusting and checking the tightness.

Is it possible to rehang only one door (for example, just the freezer)?

Technically yes, but this is not recommended. Refrigerator doors are balanced in weight, and overhanging only one can lead to:

• Casling skew.
• Accelerated wear of the hinges.
• Tightness failure.

If you need to rehang only one door, after the procedure be sure to adjust the height and check the balancing.