Rearranging furniture in the kitchen or changing the layout often poses the question of how to move the refrigerator door to the other side for the owner of household appliances. This procedure allows you to optimize space and make the use of the unit more convenient, especially in narrow kitchen aisles. Most modern models Indesit, Bosch, LG and Atlant structurally provide for this possibility, but the process requires care and adherence to a certain sequence of actions. Incorrect dismantling can lead to damage to the hinges, deformation of the case or loss of tightness, so it is important to strictly follow the algorithm.
Before you begin, you need to make sure that your model really supports the reverse function. Typically, manufacturers mark such devices with special holes on the opposite side of the case, closed with decorative plugs. If there are no technological holes, then an independent attempt to drill new fastening points is categorically not recommended, as this can damage the thermal insulation layer and disrupt the operation of the compressor. In this material we will look at a universal algorithm of actions that is suitable for most standard designs.
To complete the task, you will need a minimum set of tools that can be found in the arsenal of any home craftsman. The main attention should be paid to preparing the workplace: clear the space around the refrigerator so that you can access it from all sides, and be sure to unplug the appliance from the power supply. This is not only a safety requirement, but also a necessity, since tilting or moving the unit may damage the internal components of the cooling system if it is energized.
Preparation of tools and workplace
The success of the operation to change the side of the door opening directly depends on the quality of preparation. You don't need complex industrial equipment, but having the right tools is critical to maintaining the aesthetics and functionality of the appliance. The main tool will be hex wrench or a set of screwdrivers, since most manufacturers use just such fastenings for hinges and handles. You may also need a wrench to unscrew the bolts, which are often hidden under decorative trims.
Particular attention should be paid to protecting the floor covering and the refrigerator itself from scratches. When moving a heavy body, it can easily damage the laminate or linoleum, so it is recommended to place thick cardboard, soft rags or a special protective mat under the unit in advance. In addition, if the refrigerator has glass shelves or fragile elements in the doors, it is better to remove them in advance to avoid damage due to vibration or accidental impact.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting work, be sure to empty the refrigerator of food and defrost it if the model requires manual defrosting. Any water left in the system can leak out and damage electronic components or flooring.
Gather all the necessary tools in one place so you don't have to worry about searching for them while working. You may need:
- 🔧 A set of screwdrivers (phillips and flathead) for different types of screws.
- 🔑 Hex keys (usually 4 mm or 5 mm) for hinges.
- 🔩 Wrench or socket with a nut handle.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges.
- 🧹 A piece of soft cloth for wiping parts.
☑️ Checking readiness for work
Removing the top panel and handle
The process starts from the top parts of the fridge compartment, since this is where the main supporting loop is located. In some models, for example, the brand Samsung or LG, the top cover can be removable and secured with latches or screws. Carefully remove the trim panel to gain access to the top hinge fasteners. If a handle is installed on the door, it must also be removed first by unscrewing the fixing screws, which are often hidden under the plugs.
When unscrewing the fasteners, it is important to hold the door so that it does not fall and damage the lower guides or the floor. It is not recommended to carry out this operation alone, since the doors of modern refrigerators are quite heavy and have a significant weight. It is better to involve an assistant who will fix the position of the door while you work with the fasteners of the upper hinge.
After removing the upper hinge, the door must be carefully lifted and removed from the lower axis. It is important here to avoid sudden movements, so as not to damage the rubber seal or the closer mechanism, if it is provided for in the design. It is better to put the removed door in a safe place, having previously sealed the ends with masking tape so as not to scratch the coating of the wall or furniture when moving.
What to do if the screws are rusty?
If the fasteners cannot be unscrewed due to corrosion, do not use excessive force so as not to strip the threads. Treat problem areas with a penetrating lubricant (such as WD-40) and leave for 10-15 minutes. After this, try to carefully remove the screws.
Removing the door and rearranging the hinges
When the main door is removed, you need to remove the middle partition (if there is one) and the bottom door of the freezer. The algorithm of actions is similar: the decorative plugs are removed, the bolts securing the hinges are unscrewed, and the door is removed from the axis. Pay special attention middle loop, which is often the supporting structure for the entire structure. It is she who experiences the greatest load, so its condition must be ideal.
Now we move on to turning over the structural elements. On the free side of the case you will find holes covered with plastic plugs. Carefully remove them using a flathead screwdriver. These plugs will need to be moved to the opposite side, covering the old holes with them in order to maintain the aesthetic appearance of the unit. In some models, such as Beko or Haier, the plugs may have different sizes, so it is important not to mix them up.
Hinges that were removed on one side are installed on the opposite side. It is important to check that all threaded connections are clean and undamaged. If the refrigerator came with special pins or adapters for hanging, install them according to the diagram in the instructions. Tighten the bolts tightly, but not fanatically, so as not to strip the threads in the plastic bushings of the body.
Installing doors on a new side
Installation of doors is carried out in the reverse order of dismantling. The bottom freezer door is installed first. Align the hole in the bottom hinge with the pin on the frame and carefully lower the door. Make sure it sits straight and tight. Then install the middle partition or bar, securing it with bolts. At this stage, it is already possible to evaluate the approximate geometry of the assembly.
Next comes the turn of the main refrigeration chamber. Lift the heavy door and slide it onto the top axle. Here again you will need the help of a second person, since you need to simultaneously get into the holes for fasteners and support the weight of the structure. After installing the top hinge, do not rush to tighten it completely. Leave the bolts slightly loosened to be able to adjust the position of the door.
After installing all the elements, check the operation of the mechanisms. The door should open and close smoothly, without squeaks or jams. If you notice that the door is warped or does not fit snugly all the way around, additional adjustments will be required. In models with a system No Frost it is especially important to ensure a tight fit to avoid cold loss and ice formation.
| Work stage | Required actions | Key tool | Risks of errors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dismantling | Removing handles, top panel and hinges | Screwdriver, key | Door falling, loss of fasteners |
| Rearranging | Installation of plugs and studs to the new side | Flat screwdriver | Damage to the body, loss of plugs |
| Installation | Installing doors on new hinges | Hexagon | Door distortion, thread breakage |
| Adjustment | Alignment of gaps and checking tightness | Adjustment key | Loose fit, draft |
Adjusting the position and gaps
The final and, perhaps, the most important stage is adjustment. Even with perfect installation, the door position may need to be adjusted. For this, adjusting bolts on hinges or special washers are used. If the door is skewed to one side, slightly loosen the fastening and straighten it, then tighten the bolts again. The gap between the door and the body must be uniform around the entire perimeter.
Check the operation of the magnetic lock and the tightness of the seal. To do this, you can use a simple test with a sheet of paper: clamp the sheet with a door around the entire perimeter. If the paper comes out with force, the seal is working correctly. If the leaf falls out or is removed too easily, a gap will form in this place through which the cold will escape. In this case, you need to tighten the adjusting screws or check the condition of the rubber cuff itself rubber cuff.
⚠️ Attention: If after adjustment the door still does not fit tightly, the seal may be deformed or dirty. Try washing it with warm water and soap or heating it with a hairdryer (without overheating!) to restore elasticity.
In some refrigerator models, for example, Electrolux or Whirlpool, it is possible to adjust the height of the legs of the unit. If the door opens by itself or, conversely, is too tight, try changing the angle of the entire refrigerator by tightening the front supports. This will help set the correct angle of inclination for gravity closing.
Frequent errors and troubleshooting
In the process, beginners often make typical mistakes that can negate all efforts. One of the most common is the loss of small parts such as washers, bushings or decorative plugs. To avoid this, lay out the parts in the order they were removed or use a magnetic tray. Also, a common problem is overtightening the bolts, which leads to deformation of the plastic fastening elements.
Another mistake is ignoring the instructions for a specific model. Although the general principle is the same for everyone, the nuances may differ. For example, in some refrigerators Liebherr it is necessary to rearrange not only the hinges, but also a special closing damper. If you do not take this point into account, the door will slam shut with a bang.
If after installation you hear a creaking sound, check whether the parts are rubbing against each other. It may be necessary to lubricate the rubbing parts of the hinges with a special lubricant. However, do not use regular oils, as they may damage the plastic or attract dust.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to hang the door on a refrigerator that is already 10 years old?
Yes, the age of the refrigerator is not an obstacle if the body is not deformed by rust. However, over 10 years, threaded connections could “stick”, so use a penetrating lubricant and act carefully so as not to strip the threads.
What to do if there are no holes for hinges on the new side?
This means that the model of your refrigerator does not allow for reversing the door. You cannot drill new holes - this will damage the thermal insulation and may damage the cooling tubes running inside the walls of the case.
Do you need to call a specialist for this procedure?
If you have minimal technical skills and a set of tools, you can do it yourself in 30-40 minutes. Calling a technician is justified if you are afraid of damaging expensive equipment or you do not have an assistant to hold heavy doors.
Does re-hanging the door affect the warranty?
Re-hanging the door yourself, as a rule, does not void the warranty unless parts are damaged in the process or the seal on the compressor is broken. However, if you damage the body or hinges, the service center may refuse to repair these components free of charge.