Changing the kitchen layout or just wanting to do A more ergonomic space often dictates its conditions. Often a situation arises when the refrigerator stands awkwardly, and its door opens in the wrong direction, interfering with passage or access to other cabinets. In such cases, the only correct solution is to hang the door on the opposite side of the body. This procedure seems complicated only at first glance, but if you have a basic set of tools and care, it is quite doable at home.
Modern models of household appliances, whether massive Samsung or compact Liebherr, are most often designed taking into account the possibility of such modification. Manufacturers provide special mounting holes and complete the units with the necessary plugs. However, it is important to understand that the design of hinge mechanisms different brands may differ significantly, which requires an individual approach to dismantling. Incorrect actions can lead to damage to the seal or distortion of the sash.
Before starting the active phase of work, it is necessary to assess the scope of work and prepare the workplace. You will need free space around the unit to have access to all its edges. It is also critical to clear the interior of the refrigerator and freezer compartments of food, as even partially loaded shelves can fall out when the cabinet is tilted or the door is removed. Lightness of design is a key factor in successful and safe reinstallation.
To get started, you will need a standard DIY kit. Do not try to use unsuitable tools, as this may lead to the edges of the bolts being licked off or damage to decorative elements. The main tool will be hex wrench or a set of screwdrivers, depending on the type of fastener used in your model.
- 🔧 A set of screwdrivers (phillips and flat) for working with screws of different calibers.
- 🔩 A set of hex keys (often a size of 4 or 5 mm is required).
- 🧤 Construction gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges.
- 🧱 A wooden block or stand under the corner of the door during dismantling.
Special attention should be paid to organizing the space. Make sure the floor is level and clean so that removed parts do not get lost or scratched. If the refrigerator came with special plugs for holes that will become visible after rearrangement, find them in advance. Sometimes they are packaged in a separate bag along with instructions, which owners often throw away without looking.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. This is not only a safety measure, but also a way to avoid accidentally turning on the compressor or damaging the electronics when manipulating the case.
The first stage of work always begins with preparation. You need to clear access to the top and bottom of the unit. Move the refrigerator away from the wall enough to allow you to comfortably work around it. If the model is two-door (for example, Indesit or Beko with the No Frost system), first usually remove the upper door of the refrigerator compartment to gain access to the fasteners of the lower one.
It is important to immediately determine the type of fastening of the handles. In some models they are part of the door leaf and do not require separate dismantling, in others they are attached to screws that need to be unscrewed first. If the handle is hidden or integrated, you can skip this step. Also check if there are any magnetic latches at the end of the door that may interfere with removal. closers or magnetic latches that may interfere with removal.
The process of removing doors requires care, since the door leaf with seal and shelves may be heavier than it seems. It is recommended that two people perform this operation, especially when it comes to wide models. One person holds the door, the second unscrews the fasteners. This will prevent the structure from falling and a possible impact on the floor or the master’s feet.
Start by dismantling the top hinge. Depending on the model, it may be closed with a decorative plastic plug. Pry it off with a flathead screwdriver, being careful not to damage the plastic. After removing the plug, access to the bolts will open. Unscrew them, but do not lose them, as they will be needed for installation on the new side. If the hinges have a spring mechanism, be careful - they are under tension.
- 🚪 Remove the decorative plugs from the hinges using a thin screwdriver.
- 🔓 Unscrew the bolts securing the top hinge, holding the door.
- 👐 Carefully lift the door and remove it from the lower pin.
- 🛡️ Put the door in a safe place, placing it on a soft cloth.
After removing the upper door (in two-chamber models), access to the middle crossbar or directly to the lower door opens. The principle of operation is similar: we find the fasteners, unscrew them, and remove them. If your refrigerator has one common door for the entire height, the process is simplified - you only need to work with the upper and lower fastening units. In models Bosch or Siemens there is often a system where the lower hinge is hidden under the base plinth.
⚠️ Attention: Do not leave the refrigerator door hanging on one lower hinge when unscrewing the upper fasteners. This creates a critical misalignment and can deform the metal of the body or break the thread.
When all the doors are removed, the stage of preparing the body for the “mirror” assembly begins. On the front panel you will see two rows of holes: those in which the hinges were located, and those that are closed with plugs. Your task is to move the plugs to the vacant spaces and prepare new holes for installation. In some cases, the plugs must be removed from inside the case using a long screwdriver or a special tool.
Inspect the removed hinges. They are often symmetrical and can be installed on either side, but may require reorientation. For example, the pin on which the door fits may not be symmetrical. In this case, the loop must be turned over or rearranged to a mirror position. Study the design carefully: if one side is flat and the other has a protrusion, then for the other side of the case the protrusion should face the other way.
What to do if the holes do not match?
In some budget or older models, the holes on the opposite side may not be drilled to the end or covered with a layer of insulation. In this case, carefully remove the polyurethane foam insulation from the hole without damaging its structure. If there are no holes at all, you cannot drill them yourself - this will break the seal of the chamber. Check the instructions to see if the manufacturer provides the possibility of re-hanging for your specific series. play.
Pay special attention hole for the pin. It is on this that the weight of the door will rest. Make sure that the new seat is free of dust, chips, or factory grease residue that may have hardened. Blow out the hole if necessary. Cleanliness of the contact surfaces ensures that the door will fit smoothly and will not play.
Now you can begin installation. Start by installing the lower support loop. Insert it into the prepared hole on the opposite side and fix them with the bolts immediately - leave a little play for later adjustment. If the design includes bushings or washers, install them according to the diagram in the instructions. Models LG typically use special bushings that need to be moved from one side to the other.
Next, install the door on the lower pin. It is more convenient to do this with two people: one holds the door, the other guides it. Make sure that the door is seated tightly and evenly. Now you can proceed to installing the upper hinge. bolts and start tightening them. At this stage, it is important not to overdo it with force in order to be able to correct the position.
☑️ Checking the door installation
After fixing the upper part, check the geometry of the door, without creaking or jamming. If you notice that the door is skewed or loose. fits in one of the corners, adjustment will be required. This is usually done by loosening the bolts of the middle hinge (if there is one) or the upper fastening and slightly moving the blade.
The final step is installing the handles and plugs. The handles are installed in the prepared holes on the other side. If the holes for them were closed with stickers or plastic, remove them. aesthetics: close all the vacated holes on the front panel with decorative plugs. They should click into place with a characteristic sound.
⚠️ Attention: If after hanging the door does not close completely or, on the contrary, slams too much, check the horizontal installation of the refrigerator itself. Often the reason is not in the hinges, but in the misalignment of the case relative to the floor.
Adjusting the door position is a critical step that affects the energy efficiency and life of the compressor. If there is a gap between the body and the seal, the cold will escape and the refrigerator will work without interruption. To check, close the door on a piece of paper: it should be clamped around the entire perimeter with the same force. If the paper comes out easily at the top, but hard at the bottom, you need to tilt it.
Most modern models have adjustable supports at the bottom of the case. By rotating the front legs clockwise, you raise the angle, counterclockwise, you lower it. Achieve a position where the body is slightly tilted back. This will ensure that the door closes automatically when it is opened less than 90 degrees. For precise adjustment, use a building level.
The table below shows the main symptoms of incorrect installation and methods for eliminating them:
| Symptom | Possible cause | Elimination method |
|---|---|---|
| The door is skewed along diagonals | Uneven tightening of the upper hinge bolts | Loosen the fasteners, align the door, tighten again |
| The bottom corner does not fit | The front leg is twisted too high | Lower the front adjusting support |
| The door opens spontaneously | The refrigerator is tilted forward | Unscrew the front legs, creating a tilt back |
| A creaking sound is heard when opening | Friction of metal on metal in the hinge | Lubricate the hinges with silicone grease or lithol |
After mechanical installation and adjustment, it is necessary to check the operation of the closing system. The seal should fit snugly, but not be compressed excessively. If you see that the rubber band is deformed, the door may be overtightened. In this case, you should slightly loosen the fasteners. Also check whether the door touches the internal shelves or drawers when opening 180 degrees.
For two-chamber models, it is important to check the synchronization of the doors if they are mechanically connected. In some designs Whirlpool or Atlant the lower door can be blocked by the upper one. Make sure the lock mechanism (if equipped) functions correctly after repositioning. Sometimes it is necessary to reinstall the lock tongue itself on the opposite side.
After completing all the work, turn on the refrigerator. Do not load it with products right away - let the compressor reach operating mode for 2-3 hours. Check whether the door closes tightly after the internal volume has cooled. Cold air creates a slight vacuum, and if the seal fits well, it will be difficult to open the door immediately after closing - this is a normal sign of tightness.
Do I need to call a technician to hang the door?
In most cases, calling a technician is not necessary. The process takes 30-60 minutes and requires only basic skills. However, if you have an expensive model with a complex hinge system or you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to entrust the work to professionals so as not to damage the warranty.
What to do if the plugs for the holes are lost?
Plugs can be ordered at the brand’s service center or bought a universal set at a furniture fittings store. As a last resort, the holes can be sealed with a decorative sticker in the color of the body, although this is less aesthetically pleasing.
Is it possible to hang the door on a built-in refrigerator?
Yes, but the procedure is more complicated. First you need to remove the facade furniture panels, then rehang the refrigerator doors, and only after that reattach the furniture facades. It is important not to damage the facade fastenings.
Why did a gap appear at the top after rehanging?
Most likely, when installing the top hinge, you did not fully seat the door on the lower pin or skewed the body when tightening the bolts. Loosen the upper fasteners, lift the door and tighten the bolts again, controlling the level.