Rearranging furniture in the kitchen or changing the layout of the room often dictate their terms, demanding that the front door or large household appliances be moved to a more convenient location. Owners of refrigeration units Samsung are faced with the need to change the opening side of the door in order to provide comfortable access to products and not disrupt the ergonomics of the kitchen space. Fortunately, the design of most modern models of the South Korean brand provides the possibility reverse installationthat allows you to perform this operation at home without calling a specialist.
The process of hanging a door requires care, basic tools and strict adherence to the sequence of actions so as not to damage the expensive one. facade or cooling system. Despite the apparent complexity, the procedure is quite within the capabilities of any home craftsman who knows how to handle a screwdriver and wrench. The main thing is to prepare the workplace in advance and make sure that all the necessary tools are at hand, since the process will require a complete disassembly front part of the unit.
In this article we will analyze in detail each stage of the work, from preparing the tools to the final adjustment of the tight fit doors You will learn how to properly dismantle old hinges, move plugs and fittings to the opposite side, as well as how to avoid common mistakes that can lead to door misalignment or damage to the seal Preparation for work and necessary tools.
Preparation for work and necessary tools
Before starting any manipulations with the refrigerator body, you must carefully Prepare to ensure the process goes smoothly and safely. You will need a standard DIY kit, which is found in every household, but the quality of the tools plays an important role, especially when working with decorative elements. You should not use old, licked screwdrivers, as they can damage the screw heads, which will complicate further assembly.
The basic set of tools includes Phillips and flat-head screwdrivers, a wrench (most often 8 or 10 mm in size, depending on the model), as well as pliers for removing decorative plugs. To protect the floor covering and the refrigerator itself from scratches during operation, it is recommended to place thick cardboard, soft cloth or special cork under the unit.
- 🛠️ Phillips and slotted screwdrivers - for unscrewing the screws securing handles and decorative panels.
- 🔧 Wrench or socket with a collar - for dismantling the main ones hinges and bolts.
- 🧤 Work gloves - to protect hands from sharp metal edges and dirt.
- 🧼 Soft rags - for wiping the fastening points from dust and grease.
Particular attention should be paid to safety, since the refrigerator is a heavy device, requiring a stable position. Before starting work, be sure to disconnect the device from the electrical outlet by removing the plug from the socket and empty the shelves of food to reduce the weight of the structure and prevent the contents from falling.
⚠️ Attention: If you plan to move the refrigerator to change the opening side, never tilt it more than 40 degrees. This can cause oil from the compressor to enter the refrigerant circuit, causing damage to the cooling system.
Removing the top cover and door handle
We begin the process by dismantling the top cover of the refrigerator, if it is structurally provided for in your model. This part often hides the top hinge and fastenings, so it must be carefully removed. In most models Samsung the cover is fixed with screws, which can be hidden under decorative plugs or rubber feet.
After removing the cover, we proceed to dismantling the door handle. This is one of the most delicate stages, since careless handling can lead to chips on the coating or breakage of plastic fastening elements. In some models, the handle is fastened with screws from the bottom or top, access to which becomes available after removing the decorative trims.
To remove the handle, carefully pry up the decorative plug with a flat screwdriver, having previously wrapped the tip with a soft cloth so as not to scratch the surface. Unscrew the mounting screws and smoothly remove the handle. If the handle is integrated into the door profile and cannot be removed separately, this step is skipped and we move on to working with the hinges.
Secrets of removing jammed screws
If the handle screw does not come off, do not use excessive force so as not to strip the thread. Apply some penetrating lubricant (such as WD-40) to the threaded joint and wait 10-15 minutes. After this, try carefully turning the screw again.
Removing the door and dismantling the hinges
The next step is the direct removal of the door leaf, which requires the participation of a second person. The refrigerator door Samsung weighs quite a lot, and holding it with one hand while unscrewing the hinge bolts is not only inconvenient, but also dangerous for your back and the integrity of the appliance.
Ask an assistant to firmly hold the door in a vertical position while you unscrew the bolts securing the top hinge. After the fasteners are removed, the top hinge is removed, and the door can be carefully set aside, placing it on a prepared soft surface face up.
- 👥 Get an assistant - the door weight can reach 20-30 kg.
- 📏 Use a stable support - do not place the door on its edge.
- 🔩 Place the fasteners in a separate container - small parts are easy to lose.
- 🧹 Clean the ends of the door - remove old grease and dirt before installation.
After removing the door, it is necessary to dismantle the mating part of the hinge, which was attached to the refrigerator body. Carefully inspect the fastening points: often there are technological plugs or holes left there that will require transfer to the other side. All vacated holes on the old side must be closed with decorative plugs, which usually come with the refrigerator or are in a bag with documents.
☑️ Checklist before removing the door
Rearranging the fittings to the other side
Now we move on to the most important part - transferring all fastening elements and fittings to the opposite side of the case. The design of refrigerators Samsung is symmetrical, so there should already be corresponding holes on the back side, closed with plastic plugs.
Carefully remove the plugs from the holes on the new opening side and install them in the vacant holes on the old side. This is important to maintain an aesthetic appearance and protect internal components from dust and moisture. If the plugs are lost, they can be ordered from a service center or the holes can be carefully sealed, although this is less desirable.
Install the bottom hinge (if it was removed or requires transfer) and the middle hinge to the new side, securing them with standard bolts. Do not tighten the bolts all the way right away; leave a little play for later adjustment of the door position. Make sure that all threaded connections are clean and undamaged.
⚠️ Attention: When rearranging the fittings, pay attention to the orientation of the door opening limiter. If you install it incorrectly, the door will open at the wrong angle or may damage the side wall of adjacent furniture.
It is also important to rearrange the stops and stops, if they are provided for in the design of your model. These small plastic or metal parts prevent the door from opening too much and protect the seal from deformation. Their location must strictly comply with the diagram in the instructions for the selected opening side.
Installing the door and installing hinges
After preparing the body and transferring the fittings, you can begin hanging the door. This stage also requires the participation of an assistant who will hold the door leaf in the correct position, aligning the holes in the hinges with the holes in the door body.
Carefully lift the door and slide it onto the bottom hinge pin (or middle pin, depending on design), then align the top hole with the mounting location on the top hinge. Insert the bolts and start tightening them by hand to make sure that the threads are seated correctly and not stripped.
Secure the top hinge, pressing it tightly to the body, but do not tighten the bolts with maximum force yet. This will allow you to later adjust the position of the door if it is skewed or does not fit tightly to the body.
| Fastening element | Tool type | Tightening torque | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper hinge | Wrench 10 mm | Strong | Main load-bearing part |
| Middle hinge | 8 mm wrench | Medium | Requires precise alignment |
| Handle fastening | Phillips screwdriver | Weak | Risk of plastic chipping |
| Decorative cover | Phillips screwdriver | Minimal | Only fixation |
After installing all the hinges, check that the door is installed vertically. It should stand straight, without distortion to the left or right, and fit snugly to the body around the entire perimeter. If you notice gaps, additional adjustment will be required.
Adjusting the position and checking the operation
The final stage is adjusting the position of the door and checking its operation. Even with careful installation, it may be necessary to (fine-tune) the position of the hinges to achieve a perfect fit of the seal around the entire perimeter.
Loosen the hinge mounting bolts a little and align the door with light pressure. After this, tighten the bolts again. Check the door operation: it should open and close smoothly, without jamming or squeaking. When closing, a characteristic pop should be heard, indicating tightness.
Pay attention to the gap between the door and the body at the top and bottom. If the door fits tightly at the top, but a gap forms at the bottom (or vice versa), this indicates a misalignment that needs to be eliminated. Also check the operation of the magnetic lock and light switch.
⚠️ Attention: If after adjustment the door still does not fit tightly, do not try to forcefully bend the metal or hinges. This may cause permanent deformation. Check the condition of the rubber seal - it may be dirty or damaged.
Plug in the refrigerator and let it run for several hours. Check for condensation on the inside of the door or on food, which may indicate a loose seal. Make sure that the light inside goes out when the door is closed.
Common mistakes and expert recommendations
When re-hanging the door yourself, technicians often make common mistakes that can lead to damage no all efforts. One of the most common is ignoring the need to clean threaded connections from old grease and dirt, which makes installation difficult and can lead to misalignment.
Another common mistake is being overzealous when tightening bolts. Aluminum alloys used in hinges or housing plastics may not withstand excessive pressure, resulting in cracks or stripped threads. Use moderate force and control the process.
- 🚫 Do not ignore the plugs - they protect from dust and moisture.
- 🚫 Do not leave the door hanging on one hinge - this will deform the metal.
- 🚫 Do not use impact tools (drill, screwdriver) for final tightening.
- 🚫 Do not forget about the floor level - the refrigerator must be strictly horizontal.
If you notice that after rehanging the door began to open harder or, conversely, too easily, check the position of the stops and lubrication in the hinges. In some cases, it may be necessary to replace the seal if the old one has lost elasticity or was damaged during dismantling.
What to do if there are excess parts left?
If after assembly you are left with bolts or washers that were not used, this is an alarming sign. Double-check the assembly diagram in the instructions. However, sometimes manufacturers provide a universal set of fasteners, and a part may not be needed, but it is better to be sure of this.
Do you need to call a specialist to rehang the door?
Calling a specialist is not necessary if you have basic skills and tools. However, if you do not have an assistant, you are afraid of damaging expensive equipment, or the refrigerator is under warranty (although re-hanging it yourself usually does not void the warranty unless damage is caused), it is better to entrust this to professionals.
Is it possible to re-hang the door on a Side-by-Side refrigerator?
On Side-by-Side models (side by side), the procedure is much more complicated and often requires a special tool and skills. In some models, overhang is not provided for by the design at all. Carefully read the instructions for your specific model Samsung before starting work.
What to do if, after hanging, the door does not close tightly?
Check the horizontal installation of the refrigerator itself - often the problem is in the legs. Then check the condition of the seal and the adjustment of the hinges. If the seal is deformed, you can try heating it with a hair dryer and straightening it, or replace it with a new one.
Where can I get plugs for the holes on the old side?
The plugs are usually found in the package with the documents (instructions) when purchasing a refrigerator. If they are lost, they can be ordered from an authorized service center Samsung or pick up universal analogues in furniture fittings stores.