Kitchen redevelopment or simply inconvenient location of household appliances often dictate their conditions, forcing owners to think about changing the opening side of the refrigerator compartment. For equipment owners Stinol this does not become an insoluble problem, since the design of most models initially provides for the possibility of reinstalling the hitch. However, despite its apparent simplicity, the process requires care, a basic set of tools and a clear understanding of the sequence of actions so as not to damage the hinges or the body of the unit itself.
In this article we will analyze in detail how to properly dismantle and then install the door on the opposite side, take into account the features of different series of refrigerators Stinol and answer frequently asked questions. It is important to understand that hanging the door is a mechanical operation that, if performed correctly, does not affect the operation of the compressor or the tightness of the circuit, but requires care in handling the fittings.
Before taking active steps, you need to make sure that you have free space to maneuver around refrigerator. Dismantling requires access from all sides, since you will have to walk around the unit, shifting heavy elements. It is also worth preparing in advance a place where you will put the removed screws and plugs so as not to lose them during the work.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
High-quality preparation is the key to successful completion of the job without scratches on the floor and unnecessary nerves. You don't need professional equipment; a basic home craftsman's kit, which can be found in every garage, is enough. The main tool will be hex wrench, the size of which depends on the specific model of your refrigerator, but most often these are standard sizes of 4, 5 or 6 mm.
In addition to the keys, be sure to prepare a flat-head screwdriver, which will be needed to remove decorative plugs and plastic fastening elements. Some models Stinol may have specific bolts, so it would be a good idea to prepare a Phillips screwdriver just in case. You will also need a level to check the level of the installation after completion of the work.
- 🔧 Set of hex keys (basic tool for hinges)
- 🪛 Flathead and Phillips screwdrivers (for plugs and auxiliary screws)
- 📏 Construction level (for checking the level after installation)
- 🧤 Work gloves (to protect hands from sharp metal edges)
- 📦 Container for storing fasteners (so as not to lose bolts)
Be sure to free up space in front of the refrigerator and on the sides. You will need to move the unit at least a meter away from the wall in order to be able to easily place the removed door on the floor or temporary support. It is better to cover the floor with thick cardboard or an old blanket so that an accidentally dropped part or dropped tool does not damage the floor covering.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work with electrical appliances, it is strongly recommended to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. This will eliminate the risk of a short circuit in case of accidental damage to the wiring and will ensure your safety.
Design features of Stinol refrigerators
Refrigerators of the brand Stinol, produced at the Lipetsk plant, are distinguished by a reliable and fairly simple design, which makes them easier to maintain and modernize. Most models, whether classic two-chamber versions or more compact versions, have a symmetrical door fastening system. This means that the case initially has openings for hinges on both sides, closed with decorative plugs.
It is important to consider that in some modifications with a system No Frost or forced air circulation, additional elements may be present, such as door opening sensors or air ducts passing through the hinge group. In such cases, special care is required when detaching the top to avoid damaging fragile plastic elements or electrical contacts.
Are there differences between models with one and two compressors?
In models with two compressors (separate cooling system), the hinge design is usually standard. However, in some older Stinol series with one compressor and a weeping defrost system, the upper loop can be reinforced. Always check for additional screws.
You should also pay attention to the material of the hinges. Newer models use steel with an anti-corrosion coating, while older versions may have metal that is more susceptible to rust. If you notice traces of corrosion on the fasteners before starting work, it is better to immediately replace them with new ones of a similar size to ensure the durability of the structure after rehanging.
- 🏗 Symmetrical system of holes in the body for left and right hinges
- ⚙ Possibility of adjusting the height of the hinges to eliminate distortions
- 🔌 The presence of hidden wiring in the upper hinges of models with a display
Understanding the structure of your specific model Stinol will help you avoid mistakes. If you still have the instructions for the refrigerator, be sure to look at the diagram section, it may indicate the mounting specifics specifically for your series. Otherwise, proceed carefully, fixing each stage of dismantling.
Step-by-step instructions for dismantling the door
The process of removing the door should begin with the top hinge, since it is this that holds the main weight of the door leaf. First, remove the decorative cover that hides the mounting bolts. Usually it simply snaps into place or is held on by one screw that needs to be removed with a flat-head screwdriver. After this, you will have access to the main fasteners.
Unscrew the bolts of the upper hinge, but do not remove them completely, if the door is heavy and there are shelves hanging on it - it is better to ask an assistant to hold the structure. In models with an upper freezer, the freezer door is removed first, then the main chamber. If you have a model Stinol with a bottom freezer, the sequence may differ, but the principle remains the same: first the upper fastening is released.
☑️ Removal checklist
After removing the upper hinge, carefully lift door to release the lower support sleeve. The refrigerator door is a fairly heavy element, so you need to act confidently, but without jerking. Place the removed panel on the prepared soft surface, face down, so as not to scratch the coating.
⚠️ Attention: Do not try to remove the door by completely unscrewing all the bolts at once if you are not confident in your abilities. It is better to unscrew them partially so that the hinge stays on the thread, but has some play, then fix the door and remove the fasteners completely.
Moving the fittings and preparing the holes
The next stage is moving all the removable fittings to the opposite side. You need to dismantle the handle, if it is not through, and move it to another place. To do this, it is usually enough to unscrew the screws from the inside of the door, remove the handle and install it on the provided holes on the other side.
Pay special attention to the bushings and pins. The lower support sleeve must be moved into a symmetrical hole on the other side of the housing. It often happens that plastic plugs are already installed in unused holes, which need to be removed and rearranged in the vacant places in order to maintain the aesthetic appearance of the refrigerator Stinol.
Check the condition of the rubber seals. While the door is removed, this is the ideal time to clean them of dirt or even replace them if they have lost their elasticity. When reinstalling, make sure that the magnetic tape around the perimeter does not have any creases, otherwise tightness the camera will be damaged.
| Element | Action | Location after transfer |
|---|---|---|
| Upper loop | Dismantling and turning over | Opposite upper corner |
| Lower sleeve | Extraction and rearrangement | Opposite lower corner |
| Decorative plugs | Replacing places | Close old holes |
| Door handle | Twisting | On the opposite side |
It is important not to confuse the left and right sides when installing the hinges. The design of the hinges is often asymmetrical, and installing them “mirror” can lead to the door not closing or opening in the wrong direction. Carefully inspect the shape of the metal fastener before fixing it.
Installing the door on a new side
Installation is carried out in the reverse order of dismantling. First, install the lower support sleeve and place the door on it. Make sure it sits firmly in place and doesn't wobble. After this, you can begin installing the top hinge. Insert the bolts into the holes and start tightening them, but do not tighten them all the way yet.
This is a critical point: the initial fixation should allow the door to move a little. You will need to set the correct position of the door leaf relative to the body so that the gaps on all sides are the same. If you immediately tighten the bolts “tightly”, it will be extremely difficult to correct the misalignment.
After preliminary fixation, check the operation of the door. It should open easily, without squeaks, and fit tightly to the body around the entire perimeter. If you notice that the door does not fit tightly in one of the corners, you may need to adjust the height of the support legs of the refrigerator itself or re-adjust the hinges.
For models Stinol with electronic control, make sure that the wires going to the door sensor are not twisted or pinched. If the wires are too short for the new configuration (which is rare, but it happens), you may have to carefully resolder the connector or use an extension cord, but usually the standard length is enough.
Adjustment and final check
The final stage is a thorough check of the quality of the work performed. Take a spirit level and check that the top panel of the refrigerator is level. If the unit is not level, adjust the height of the front support legs by rotating them clockwise or counterclockwise.
Check the tightness of the seal. To do this, you can use a simple test with a sheet of paper: clamp the sheet between the door and the body at different points around the perimeter. If the sheet is removed with force along the entire length, it means that it is well secured. If in some place the sheet falls out freely, tightening the hinges or leveling the body is required. tightness perfectly provided. If in some place the sheet falls out freely, tightening the hinges or leveling the body is required.
- 👀 Visual inspection of the gaps (they should be uniform)
- 📄 Test with a sheet of paper for the tightness of the seal
- 🔄 Checking the ease of opening and closing
- 🔊 Listening for extraneous sounds when slamming
⚠️ Attention: After moving the door and turning on the refrigerator for the first time, let it work for several hours without loading food. This will allow the system to return to mode and make sure that the seal is not broken and the compressor is operating normally.
If everything went well, you can remove the tools and return the refrigerator to its rightful place. Don't forget to remove any protective film or cardboard from the floor. A correctly hung door will extend the life of the refrigerator Stinol and make its use more convenient for you.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to rehang the door yourself if the refrigerator is under warranty?
In most cases, independently Re-hanging the door does not void the warranty, since this is a standard procedure provided for by the design. However, if in the process you break threads, break plastic or damage wiring, the service center may refuse free repairs. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to call a technician from an authorized center.
What to do if, after hanging, the door does not hold and opens on its own?
Most likely, the refrigerator is installed tilted backwards. For correct operation, the door should open on its own only when it deviates from the vertical by more than 30 degrees, and when closed, it should fit tightly. Check the adjustment of the front support legs: the front of the refrigerator should be slightly raised relative to the back.
Is it necessary to change the seal when reversing the door?
No, you do not need to change the rubber seal (cuff) if it is in good condition. It is elastic and easily takes a new shape after several opening and closing cycles. Replacement is required only if the seal is cracked, has lost elasticity or has been mechanically damaged.
Where should the holes from the hinges be put if they are left on the other side?
Plastic plugs (plugs) of white or silver color are often included with the refrigerator or in storage niches. They need to cover all the vacated holes in order to preserve the presentable appearance of the equipment and protect the insides of the case from dust and moisture.