Changing the kitchen layout or simply wanting to make life more convenient often leads to the need to change the direction in which the refrigerator door opens. Owners of equipment Stinol face this issue regularly, since these models are often installed in standard kitchen sets, where every centimeter of space matters. Fortunately, the design of most units of this brand provides the opportunity reversing the doors to the opposite side without the need to call a specialist.
This process does not require complex professional tools, however, it requires accuracy, attentiveness and strict adherence to the sequence of actions. Incorrect installation can lead to distortion of the canvas, violation of the tightness of the seal and, as a result, breakdown of the compressor due to constant operation. In this article we will analyze all the nuances specific to the equipment Stinol, including models with the system No Frost and classic drip defrosting.
Before starting work, it is important to understand what you are dealing with with a heavy household appliance that requires careful handling. Door hinges made of durable metal, but they do not tolerate shock loads or distortions during installation. If you follow the instructions and prepare the workplace in advance, the whole procedure will take you no more than 40-60 minutes, and your refrigerator will take an ideal position in the interior.
Preparation of the workplace and the necessary tools
The success of the operation to change the opening side directly depends on the preparation. You will need to clear some space in front of the refrigerator to be able to approach it from all sides. It is advisable to move the unit away from the wall at a distance of at least one meter, which will provide access to the rear and side panels. The floor in the work area must be flat and clean, since refrigerator you will have to tilt or slightly raise it.
As for the tools, a standard home craftsman's set will be quite sufficient. Your main assistant will be hex key (usually 4 or 5 mm in size), which often comes complete with equipment. You will also need a Phillips screwdriver, an 8 or 10 mm wrench (depending on the fastener model) and possibly a flat-head screwdriver for removing decorative plugs.
- 🔧 Allen key - the main tool for hinges.
- 🪛 Phillips and flathead screwdrivers - for removing plugs and handles.
- 🔩 Wrench or 8/10 mm socket - for fastening bolts.
- 🧤 Construction gloves - to protect hands from sharp metal edges.
- 🧹 Rags and detergent - for cleaning the ends before installation.
It is important to make sure that there is enough lighting in the work area. Often the hinges are hidden by decorative plastic covers, and poor light can cause you to damage the plastic when trying to remove them. If you have a model Stinol with a top freezer, the process will be slightly different from Side-by-Side models, but the basic set of tools will remain the same.
Removing the top door and removing the top hinge
We start the process from the top of the refrigerator, since this is where the main supporting hinge is located. The first step is to remove the top decorative panel or plug that hides the mounting bolts. In models Stinol it is usually held on by latches or a small screw. Proceed with caution: plastic becomes brittle over time, and sudden movement can lead to cracks in the visible part of the case.
Once you have gained access to fasteners, do not rush to unscrew them immediately. The door is heavy and without support it may fall. Have a helper hold the door or use wedges/stops under the bottom of the door to take the pressure off the hinges. Only after making sure that they are fixed can you loosen the bolts of the upper hinge.
After unscrewing the bolts, carefully remove the hinge itself. Pay attention to its design: sometimes a rod is removed along with it, which is inserted into the lower bushing. Keep all screws and small parts in a separate container so they don't get lost. The top of the door is now free and can be lifted to remove it from the lower support. Be careful: the weight of the empty door is still significant.
⚠️ Attention: When removing the top hinge, watch the wires if the door has a built-in backlight or display. In some models Stinol the wiring runs inside the case, but may have a connector in the upper part.
Removing the bottom door and dismantling the middle hinge
After the top door has been removed and put in a safe place (it is better to put it on a soft surface face up), we move on to the bottom part. Here is the middle hinge, which is often rotary or has an asymmetrical design. Your task is to remove the bottom door in the same way: fix it, unscrew the fasteners and remove the panel.
Pay special attention to the middle hinge. In refrigerators Stinol with two chambers, it often serves as a support for the upper chamber and a mount for the lower one. After removing the lower door, this hinge is also dismantled. A plug will be installed in its place (or it is transferred from the opposite side), and the loop itself will be needed for installation on the other side.
During the process, you may encounter contamination or oxidation of metal surfaces. This is normal for used equipment. It is recommended to wipe the fastening points and door ends with a rag to remove dust and grease. A clean surface will ensure a tighter fit sealing rubber and proper operation of the mechanism in the future.
- 🚪 Remove the bottom door, holding it by the end.
- 🔩 Unscrew the middle hinge and save bolts.
- 🧼 Clean the fastening places from dirt and rust.
- 🔄 Prepare plugs for installation in the vacant places.
☑️ Check before installation
Transfer of fittings and handles
The most important stage is the transfer of functional elements. The handles of refrigerators Stinol are often symmetrical, but their fastening may differ. If you have a model with hidden handles (recess at the end), you can skip this step. If the handles are overhead, they must be dismantled on one side and secured on the other using the holes provided by the manufacturer.
To dismantle the handle, you may need to remove the inner plastic panel of the door or gain access to the fasteners through special technological holes. Use a thin flat head screwdriver wrapped in cloth to avoid scratching the plastic. When tightening the bolts in a new place, do not overtighten them at once: first tighten all the screws, align the handle visually, and only then tighten fasteners until it stops.
Do not forget about the plastic plugs for the holes. Those holes that were used to attach the handle or hinge on the old side now need to be closed with decorative plugs. They usually come with the refrigerator (in a bag with documents) or are already installed on the back side. If the plugs are lost, the holes can be carefully sealed to prevent moisture from getting in.
| Element | Action | Tool | Nuance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper loop | Transfer to the other side | Hexagon | Follow the pin |
| Middle loop | Turn or transfer | Key at 8/10 | Orientation is important |
| Door handles | Dismantling and installation | Phillips screwdriver | Do not overtighten the plastic |
| Plugs | Replacement in places | Without tools | Close the old holes |
What to do if the holes do not match?
In 99% of cases, the doors of Stinol refrigerators already have all the necessary holes, simply closed with plugs. If they are not there, you don’t need to drill anything - check the instructions; perhaps your model does not provide for re-hanging or requires replacing the door itself.
Installing doors on a new side
Installation is carried out in the reverse order of dismantling. The bottom door is installed first. Make sure the lower support bushing (or rod) is installed correctly and locked. Carefully slide the door onto the stem, making sure it lies flat. Now you can mount the middle loop. Here it is important not only to tighten the bolts, but also to check the verticality of the installation.
Then we move on to installing the upper door. Align the holes on the top hinge with the holes on the refrigerator body. Insert the bolts, but do not fully tighten them yet. This will allow you to perform position adjustment. The door should close tightly, effortlessly, and the gaps around the perimeter should be uniform. If the door is skewed, loosen the fastenings and slightly move the leaf.
The final stage is to tighten all the bolts. Move diagonally, tightening the bolts gradually to distribute the load evenly. After tightening, check the operation of the door: it should open easily, and when released (if a closer mechanism is installed or there is a slight tilt of the body back), it should close on its own up to a certain point.
⚠️ Attention: If after installation the door does not fit tightly to the body, do not try to solve the problem by force. Check if the seal is in the way and make sure that the refrigerator is strictly horizontal.
Adjusting gaps and checking tightness
After mechanical installation, you need to make sure that the refrigeration chamber is tight. The efficiency of the compressor and the service life of the product depend on this. Visually inspect the perimeter of the fit sealing rubber (cuff) along the entire contour. Gaps should be minimal and uniform. If you see gaps, you will need to adjust the height of the refrigerator legs or tighten the hinges.
There is a simple and reliable way to check the tightness, known as the “paper test”. Take a regular sheet of A4 paper, clamp it with the refrigerator door so that half of the sheet hangs out. Try to pull out the sheet. If it is removed with noticeable effort and breaks, the tightness is excellent. If the sheet falls out or is pulled out too easily, the fit is broken in this place.
If the test reveals problems, check the following:
- 📏 Evenness of tightening of the hinge bolts.
- 🦶 Horizontal installation of the refrigerator itself (use a level).
- 🌡️ Condition of the seal (it may need to be washed or straightened with a hairdryer).
- 🚪 Absence of foreign objects that interfere with closure.
It is also worth checking the operation of the system No Frost (if your model has it). Make sure that when re-hanging, you do not pinch any ducts that may run through doors or hinge areas. Turn on the refrigerator and after 30-40 minutes check if the cold appears. If the unit operates silently and maintains the temperature, the operation can be considered successfully completed.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Need Is it possible to defrost the refrigerator before re-hanging the doors?
Yes, this is a mandatory requirement. Before starting work, the refrigerator must be unplugged, completely defrosted and washed. Water may leak from the system when the doors are tilted or removed, damaging electronic components or flooring. In addition, an empty refrigerator is easier and safer to move.
Is it possible to move the door if the refrigerator has a built-in display or button?
In most models Stinol with electronic control, moving the control panel is impossible, since the length of the cables and the location of the connectors do not allow them to be moved to the other side. However, you can often rehang the door itself by simply leaving the control panel in its place (on the side). Carefully read the instructions for your specific model.
What to do if the bolts are rusty and cannot be unscrewed?
Do not use excessive force so as not to strip the threads. Treat the joints with a penetrating lubricant (such as WD-40) and leave for 15-20 minutes. If this does not help, you can gently heat the metal around the bolt (but not the bolt itself or the plastic!) with a hair dryer. The metal will expand, and it will be easier to unscrew it.
Do you need to wait before turning it on after rearranging?
If you just changed the side of the door opening and did not tilt the refrigerator more than 40 degrees, there is no need to wait. However, if the unit has been tilted or lying down strongly, it is recommended to let it stand upright for 2-4 hours before turning it on, so that the oil in the compressor flows into the crankcase.
Where can I get new plugs if the old ones are lost?
Decorative plugs are a consumable item that can be found in spare parts stores for household appliances. You need to know the exact model of the refrigerator Stinol. You can also order them from authorized service centers or try to pick up universal plastic plugs of suitable diameter at a hardware store.