Changing the kitchen layout or rearranging furniture often poses challenges to owners household appliances question about how to flip the door on the refrigerator. This is a standard procedure included in the design of most modern models, but it requires care and consistency. Incorrect assembly can lead to a loose fit of the sash, the formation of condensation, or even breakage of the fittings.
Before starting work, you need to determine the type of your model, since the hinge mechanisms of different manufacturers may differ significantly. In some cases, it is enough to rearrange the handles, in others, you will need to completely reassemble the mounts and move the magnetic latch. It is important to prepare the workspace in advance, since the unit will have to be tilted or completely emptied of products.
There is a common misconception that for some budget models re-hanging is impossible. In fact, they are almost always present on the body, but they can be covered with decorative plugs. The main thing is to take your time and have the necessary set of tools on hand to do the job efficiently and safely. symmetrical holes They are almost always present on the body, but they can be covered with decorative plugs. The main thing is to take your time and have the necessary set of tools on hand to get the job done efficiently and safely.
Preparation of tools and workplace
Quality preparation is half the success. Before you grab a screwdriver, make sure you have enough room to maneuver around the refrigerator. You will need to remove the unit from its place, you may have to tilt it, so make sure that the floor is protected from scratches, and there are no sharp corners of furniture nearby.
The set of tools depends on the model, but every home craftsman should have a basic set. Manufacturers often include a special wrench or hexagon in the kit, but it is safer to prepare your own proven tool. The absence of the required bit can lead to the edges of the bolts breaking off, which will turn a simple repair into a long problem.
- 🛠️ A set of screwdrivers (phillips and flat) for removing handles and plugs.
- 🔧 Wrenches or socket heads (often sizes 8, 10 mm).
- 🔨 Pliers for removing locking pins or plugs.
- 📏 Level or plumb line to check the vertical installation.
Pay special attention fasteners. If your refrigerator has been standing for several years, the threaded connections may have become stuck or oxidized. In such cases, a penetrating lubricant, such as WD-40, may be required to carefully remove rusted bolts without damaging the threads.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to unplug the refrigerator from the electrical outlet! This is critical for safety as you will be working with metal parts in close proximity to electrical components and wiring.
Be sure to completely defrost the chamber and remove all shelves, drawers and food. An empty refrigerator is much lighter, which will reduce the risk of back injury or the unit falling while tilting. In addition, moisture from defrosted ice will not flow into the hinge mechanisms.
Dismantling the top part and removing the doors
The process begins by removing the top cover (if there is one) and the top hinge. In models with a freezer on top, it is the top flap that is dismantled first. This allows you to gain access to the bottom door and avoid unnecessary weight on the structure.
Carefully remove the bolts securing the top hinge. Often they are hidden under decorative plastic caps that need to be pryed off with a flat screwdriver or knife. Do not use excessive force to avoid breaking the fragile plastic. After removing the hinge, you need to hold the door, as it no longer holds anything.
☑️ Preparation for dismantling
It is better to put the removed door in a safe place, placing it on a soft cloth or cardboard so as not to scratch the enamel. Now you can proceed to the bottom door. If you have a Side-by-Side model or a refrigerator with a bottom freezer, the sequence of actions will be similar, but you may need to remove the intermediate partitions.
When removing hinges, pay attention to the presence of washers and bushings. Their order and location are extremely important during reassembly. It's best to lay out the parts in the order you shot them, or take a photo of each step. The loss of even one small washer can lead to the door being skewed.
Moving the fittings and strike plate
The most critical stage is rearranging the handle and strike plate of the lock. On most models, the handles are secured with screws on the inside of the door. You need to unscrew them, remove the handle and install them on the opposite side using the holes provided by the factory.
The latch counterpart (the strip into which the door hook fits) also requires relocation. On the old side, the holes are closed with plugs, and on the new side, the plugs are removed. In some LG or Samsung models, the latch mechanism may be hidden inside the end of the door, which requires deeper intervention.
Nuances with magnetic latches
Some models of Electrolux or Bosch refrigerators use a magnetic lock instead of a mechanical latch. In this case, it is not the bar that needs to be transferred, but a special magnetic block, which is often hidden under the seal. Be careful when removing the rubber band so as not to damage its integrity.
If there are no holes at the site where the handle will be installed, but there are recesses (punched points), then the model provides this possibility. However, if the surface is perfectly smooth without any marks, perhaps your model does not support overhanging, or requires drilling, which is not recommended to do yourself.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use too long self-tapping screws to attach the handles! The original screws have a strictly defined length. Fasteners that are too long may rest against the inner wall of the door or damage the insulation, which will lead to rust or a leak.
To move the fittings, you may need plugsthat come with the refrigerator. If they are lost, you can order them from the manufacturer or simply leave the holes open if they do not spoil the appearance. Aesthetics in this case is secondary compared to functionality.
Features of the revolution for different brands
Although the general principle is the same, each manufacturer has its own “tricks”. Understanding these nuances will save you time and nerves. Below is a table to help you navigate the features of popular brands.
| Brand | Design feature | Required tool | Complexity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indesit / Ariston | Often require removal of the entire front panels | Hexagon, screwdriver | Medium |
| Samsung | Hidden hinges, bottom access required | 10-13 mm wrench | High |
| LG | Closer mechanism in the upper hinge | Set of screwdrivers | Low |
| Bosch / Siemens | Complex cable system for the lower door | Pliers, keys | High |
For example, in refrigerators Indesit there is often a design where the hinges are attached not to the body itself, but to a removable frame. In this case, it is easier to remove the entire frame, turn it over and install it back. This is faster, but requires caution when disconnecting wires if the panel has a display.
Models Bosch with the NoFrost system may have a cable-operated lower door flap. When rehanging, such a cable must be carefully disconnected, the drive mechanism must be moved to the other side and tensioned correctly. A mistake here will result in the damper not opening and no cold flowing into the lower chamber.
Always look for the technical sticker inside the chamber or on the back wall. The exact model number (PNC or E-Nr) is indicated there. By typing this number into the search, you can download the official diagram (exploded view), where each screw is numbered. This is the best way not to make a mistake.
Assembling and adjusting the position of doors
After transferring the fittings, reassembly begins. Install the bottom door by inserting the bottom hinge into the groove. It is important not just to tighten the bolts, but to ensure correct positioning. The door should be level, without distortions.
Then the top hinge is installed and the top door is hung. Do not tighten the bolts completely yet, leaving a slight play for adjustment. This will allow you to align the door perfectly level relative to the body and the floor.
The legs of the refrigerator are often used to adjust the height. By rotating them, you can raise or lower the corner of the unit, achieving a horizontal position. In some models, the hinge itself has adjusting screws that allow you to move the door left-right or back-and-forth.
After the final adjustment, tighten all fasteners firmly. Check the door operation: it should open smoothly, without squeaks, and close tightly. If the door opens on its own or does not close completely, it means the adjustment is broken or the seal is interfering.
Checking the tightness and eliminating gaps
The final stage is checking the tightness. Even a microscopic gap will lead to constant operation of the compressor, freezing of the “coat” and spoilage of food. The easiest way to check is the method with a sheet of paper.
Take a regular A4 sheet, clamp it with the refrigerator door around the perimeter. The sheet should be removed with noticeable effort. If it flies out freely or, conversely, breaks when trying to remove it, you need to adjust the position of the door or change the seal.
⚠️ Attention: If after turning the door over, a gap has formed in the area of the hinges, check whether the axle is seated correctly. Sometimes it is necessary to replace the axis with a symmetrical one or turn over the existing one if it has a conical shape.
Pay attention to the work sealing rubber. When the door was turned over, it could move or jump out of the groove. Press it into place, warming it with a hairdryer if necessary to ensure elasticity. An even fit along the entire contour is the key to a long service life of the compressor.
Common mistakes and expert advice
Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes. Beginners should be doubly careful. One of the most common problems is loss of fasteners. Small bolts easily roll under the refrigerator or into the cracks of furniture.
Another mistake is ignoring the instructions for installing gaps. The refrigerator needs space for ventilation. If you have flipped the door over and it now opens towards a wall or furniture, this is unacceptable. The minimum gap for opening should be 5-10 cm.
- 🚫 Do not try to force the door into the hinges - this will lead to deformation of the metal.
- 🚫 Do not leave the refrigerator open for a long time without fixing - the hinges may become loose.
- 🚫 Do not use sealant to secure the bolts - this will complicate future repairs.
If you find that after turning the door over, it begins to touch the internal shelves or containers, it means that the design of your model does not provide for symmetrical installation of internal elements. In this case, alas, you will have to return everything as it was or put up with the inconvenience.
Is it possible to turn the door over if it has a display?
Yes, it is possible, but it is more difficult. Display control wires are usually routed through the top loop. You'll have to carefully unplug the connectors, remove the loop, move the wires through the new top loop (if there's a channel there), or use an extension cord. The main thing is not to damage the thin wires.
What to do if the holes for the loops do not match?
In 99% of cases the holes are symmetrical. If they do not match, check to see if you have mixed up the left and right sides, or if you are using fasteners from a different model. It is strictly forbidden to drill new holes in the refrigerator body - this will damage the thermal insulation and lead to corrosion.
Do I need to wait after turning on the refrigerator?
Yes. After transportation, tilting and flipping the doors, the oil in the compressor may have moved. Let the refrigerator stand in an upright position, turned off, for at least 2-4 hours (preferably a day) before turning it on for the first time.
Why did the door begin to close more tightly?
A new seal or a hinge that has not been lubricated for a long time can give this feeling. Also check to see if the door is hitting the frame due to improper adjustment. Lubricating the hinges with edible oil or silicone will help solve the problem.
Is it possible to turn the door on a built-in refrigerator?
Theoretically it is possible, but it is extremely difficult. Built-in models are attached to the furniture facade, and the turning mechanism there is much more complicated than that of free-standing models. Often you need to turn over the furniture facade itself, which requires carpentry skills.