The situation when, after purchasing or moving, it turns out that refrigerator opens in the wrong direction is familiar to many owners of household appliances. A narrow corridor or a specific kitchen layout often dictates its own conditions, requiring it to door open in the opposite direction from the factory setting. Fortunately, most of the brand's models Indesit structurally provide for the possibility of changing the opening side, which allows you to adapt the unit to any room.
Process re-hanging does not require deep engineering knowledge, but does require the presence a basic set of tools and attention to detail. An incorrect sequence of actions or a lost screw can lead to skewing of the blade or damage to the seal, so it is important to strictly follow the algorithm. In this article, we will look in detail at how to safely and effectively change the door hinge while maintaining the tightness and appearance of your refrigeration equipment.
Before starting work, you need to make sure that the device is disconnected from the power supply and completely defrosted. The presence of water inside the chambers or adhered ice can complicate dismantling and create a risk of short circuit when working with metal tools. Preparing the workplace is a key step that is often missed, and then they wonder why hinges small parts are not unscrewed or are lost.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to unplug the refrigerator from the outlet and let it stand for at least 15-20 minutes. This is necessary to discharge the capacitor and ensure safety when working with metal structural elements.
Necessary tools and preparation
To successfully complete the task, you will need a standard DIY kit, which is usually found in every household. The main tool will be set of screwdriversincluding cross and flat options of various sizes, since fasteners in different models Indesit may differ. It is also highly desirable to have an 8 or 10 mm wrench or socket, depending on the specifics of the bolts on the lower hinges.
In addition to the main tool, it would not be amiss to prepare a container for small parts so as not to lose screws, plugs and washers during the work process. Some models require the use of hex keys, so check the contents of your device or prepare a universal key set in advance. The absence of the necessary tool in the midst of the process can lead to thread breakage or damage to the bolt heads.
- 🔧 A set of screwdrivers (phillips and flat) for working with various fasteners.
- 🔩 Wrench or socket head (usually 8-10 mm) for hinges.
- 📦 Container for storing screws, washers and decorative plugs.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges.
It is important to note that some modern models may have specific fasteners that require the use hexagon. If the refrigerator came with an installation key, it is better to use it, as it fits perfectly. If you lose it, select a tool that sits tightly in the head of the bolt so as not to lick the edges.
⚠️ Attention: The design of the hinges may vary depending on the year of manufacture and model series. If you are not sure about the type of fastener, check the manufacturer's official instructions for your specific modification.
Design features of Indesit doors
Refrigerators Indesit are most often equipped with doors that are mounted on two main hinges: top and bottom. Some versions, especially models with a bottom freezer, may have a middle hinge connecting the main compartment and the freezer. Understanding the device fittings is critically important, since an incorrect removal sequence can lead to a heavy door falling.
Particular attention should be paid to the sealing system and magnetic tapes that ensure tightness. When re-hanging, it is important not to damage the rubber circuit, as this will lead to loss of cold and increased energy consumption. It is also worth considering that in some models the handles may be asymmetrical, which will require their rearrangement or replacement with universal ones.
Hidden structural elements
In some Indesit models, additional fastening bolts may be hidden under the decorative plugs, which must be unscrewed before removing the hinge. Carefully inspect the ends of the door.
The design hinge mechanism in refrigerators of this brand is usually quite reliable, but requires careful handling. The screws are often tightened quite tightly, so you will have to apply force, but without fanaticism, so as not to strip the threads in the aluminum case. If the fasteners are rusty or stuck, you can use a special penetrating lubricant, but in a kitchen this is rarely done.
| Model type | Number of hinges | Fastening features | Presence of a middle loop |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single chamber | 2 (top/bottom) | Standard bolts | No |
| Double chamber (standard) | 2 or 3 | Bolts + hexagon | Often there |
| Multi-chamber | 3 or more | Complex system | Required |
| No Frost Models | 2 or 3 | Reinforced fasteners | Depends on volume |
Removing the top hinge and handles
The process should always begin with dismantling top hinge, since it holds the main weight of the door leaf suspended. The first step is to remove the decorative plug, which is usually located on top of the door or at the end, hiding the mounting bolts. By prying it up with a flat-head screwdriver, you will gain access to the screws that need to be carefully unscrewed while holding the door with your other hand.
After loosening the top fasteners, the door must be slightly lifted to remove it from the bottom axis, but first you need to take care of the handle. If the model provides for rearranging the handle, it must also be dismantled by unscrewing the screws from the inside of the blade. In some cases, the handle may be solid on one side, then it will need to be reinstalled on the opposite end.
☑️ Dismantling the upper part
When the upper hinge is released, the door is carefully removed from the lower support and placed in a safe place, preferably on a soft surface, so as not to scratch the enamel. Now you can proceed to removing the topmost hinge from the refrigerator body by unscrewing the remaining fasteners. The vacated hole on the opposite side remains open for now - we will install a hinge there later.
Do not forget to immediately rearrange the plugs at the end of the door: those that were on the active side are moved to the place of future holes, and vice versa. This will provide an aesthetic appearance and protect the inside of the door from dust. If the plugs are lost or broken, they can be temporarily replaced with a piece of electrical tape, but it is better to order new ones.
Removing the door and working with the bottom hinge
After the door is removed and set aside, the main attention turns to lower hinge, which is attached to the base or directly to the body of the unit. In two-chamber models, this is where the middle loop is often located, which also requires dismantling. Unscrew all the bolts holding the structure and remove the metal element from the body.
It is important to keep all washers and gaskets that may be under the hinge, as they ensure the correct position of the door relative to the body. If you skip this step, after assembly the door may warp or not fit tightly against the seal. Carefully place all small parts into the prepared container, sorting them according to their belonging to the top or bottom.
Now you need to move the bottom loop to the opposite side of the case. For this purpose, the housing Indesit already has technological holes closed with plastic plugs. Remove the plugs from the new side and insert them into the vacated holes, then install the hinge and securely tighten the mounting bolts.
⚠️ Attention: When tightening the bottom hinge bolts, do not overdo it. Excessive force can lead to deformation of the metal plate or breakage of the thread in the refrigerator body.
Installing the door on a new side
The final stage is installing the door leaf in a new place. Lift the door and carefully slide it onto the bottom hinge pin, making sure the holes line up. It is better to perform this operation together, since the door is heavy and it is easy to drop it or warp it, damaging the seal After the door is placed on the lower axis, it is necessary to secure it with the upper hinge. Insert the hinge into the grooves at the end of the door and screw it to the refrigerator body with the prepared bolts. Tighten the fasteners evenly, gradually increasing the tension to avoid distortion..
After the door is positioned on the lower axis, it is necessary to secure it with the upper hinge. Insert the hinge into the grooves at the end of the door and screw it to the refrigerator body with the prepared bolts. Tighten the fasteners evenly, gradually increasing the tension to avoid distortion.
After fixing the hinge, check the operation of the door: it should open smoothly, without creaking or jamming, and when closing, fit tightly around the entire perimeter. If you notice gaps or a loose fit, additional adjustment of the height of the lower hinge or the position of the door will be required.
Adjustment and checking the tightness
After installing the door, be sure to check the tightness, since the efficiency of everything depends on this refrigeration unit. Take a piece of paper and press it between the door and the body in different places around the perimeter. If the paper is pulled out with force along the entire length, it means that the seal is working correctly.
If in some places the paper falls out freely or, conversely, gets stuck tightly, it is necessary to adjust the position of the door. This is done by tightening the adjusting bolts on the bottom hinge or changing the height of the supports. Sometimes you just need to wait a few hours for the rubber seal to straighten out and take the desired shape.
It is also worth checking the operation of the light switch and the correct closure of the contacts. The door should press a switch button when closed, turning off the lights inside the chamber. If the light continues to light when the door is closed, check the position of the switch and, if necessary, adjust it.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to rehang the door yourself without assistant?
Theoretically it is possible, but it is highly not recommended. The refrigerator door is heavy and bulky and is easy to drop or damage the enamel. For safety and quality of work, it is better to involve a second person.
What to do if the holes for the hinges do not match?
In the factory, all holes are already provided. If they don't match, you may be using the wrong holes or the door is installed upside down. Check the instructions for your model.
Do you need to wait after rehanging before turning on?
No special waiting is required, since the refrigerant is not affected. However, it is recommended to give the seal a couple of hours to straighten so that it takes the correct shape and ensures a tight seal.
Where to put the old plugs from the previous side?
The old plugs need to be installed on the vacated holes on the new opening side. This is necessary to preserve the aesthetic appearance and protect the internal elements from dust.
Will re-hanging affect the warranty?
The process of re-hanging the door itself is a normal operation provided by the manufacturer and should not affect the warranty. However, if parts are damaged in the process, the warranty case may not be recognized.