The need to change the direction of opening the refrigerator door often arises when remodeling a kitchen or purchasing new appliances, when the standard arrangement of handles interferes with passage or convenient access to products. For owners of domestic equipment Biryusa this procedure, as a rule, does not cause serious difficulties, since the design of most models initially provides for the possibility of such modification. Manufacturers include symmetrical fastenings and hidden holes in the design, which allow rearrangement without drilling additional holes in the case.
However, before starting work, it is important to understand that different series of refrigerators may have design differences in the mechanisms of hinges and handles. If in older models the handles were non-removable and required careful dismantling along with the door, then in modern versions they are often fastened with screws. Rehanging the door this is a process that requires care and the presence of a basic set of tools so as not to damage the enamel coating or plastic fittings.
In this In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions for various modifications, paying special attention to the nuances of dismantling the handles and adjusting the position of the sash after installation. Properly performed work guarantees a tight fit of the seal and long service life of the hinges. Do not forget that any manipulations with equipment should be carried out only after a complete shutdown of the power supply.
Preparation of the workplace and the necessary tools
High-quality preparation is the key to successful completion of the repair. Before proceeding with dismantling, it is necessary to clear the space around the refrigerator. You will need a clear area with a radius of at least a meter to be able to place the removed doors on a flat surface without the risk of them falling or being damaged. Remove all products, shelves and drawers to reduce the weight of the structure and eliminate broken glass or plastic.
As for tools, working with refrigerators Biryusa usually does not require complex equipment. In most cases, a standard DIY kit is sufficient. The main work of unscrewing the bolts of hinges and handle fastenings will be done by a screwdriver or screwdriver.
- 🛠️ Set of screwdrivers: Phillips (PH2) and flat for prying up decorative plugs.
- 🔧 Wrenches or heads: most often required sizes are 8 mm, 10 mm, less often 13 mm.
- 📏 Level or plumb line to check the horizontal installation after completion of work.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal edges and contamination.
It is also important to prepare soft bedding, such as cardboard or a thick blanket, on which you will place the removed doors. This will prevent scratches on the front panel and protect the floor from damage. If you have an assistant, this will greatly simplify the process, since the doors, especially the bottom ones, can be heavy and awkward to hold with one hand.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to unplug the refrigerator from the power supply. Remove the plug from the socket to eliminate the risk of a short circuit if the wiring inside the door is accidentally damaged (if the model is equipped with a display or alarm).
Features of the design of handles in different Biryusa models
One of the most critical points that is often overlooked is the type of fastening of the handles. Depending on the year of manufacture and series of the refrigerator Biryusa, the design may differ radically. In older models, such as classic series with vertical handle bars, dismantling may require removing the entire door along with the fittings, since the fastening screws are located on the inside.
In more modern versions, handles are often fastened with screws that are hidden under decorative plugs or are located in the lower/upper part element. Removing the handle in such cases is carried out before removing the door from its hinges. If you try to remove the door without unscrewing the handle, you can damage the doorway or the fittings themselves.
Nuances of hidden fastenings
In some models, the screws for securing the handles are covered with plastic plugs in chrome or wood color. They need to be carefully pryed off with a thin flat screwdriver or knife. Do not use excessive force to prevent the plastic from cracking. If there are no plugs, look for screws in the end of the handle or in special recesses.
There is also a category of models where the handles are integrated into the door profile or are part of a mortise type. In such situations holes for rehanging can be closed with rubber or plastic plugs on the opposite side. They must be removed and rearranged in place of the current fastenings in order to maintain the aesthetic appearance of the equipment.
If you are the owner of a model with a display on the door, the procedure is complicated by the presence of wiring. In this case, after removing the top hinge, you must carefully disconnect the wire connectors, having previously photographed their location. Do not pull the wires sharply - they may be short or have latches.
Step-by-step instructions: dismantling the upper and lower doors
The process of removing the doors should be carried out strictly in a certain sequence, starting with the upper leaf. This is due to the design of the center hinge, which often holds both doors in place or provides a support point for the top one. First, remove the decorative top hinge cover, if present, and unscrew the mounting bolts.
After releasing the top hinge, carefully lift the top door and remove it from the axis. It is better to do this with an assistant, since even an empty door has significant weight. Place the removed door on a prepared soft surface with the outer side down.
☑️ Dismantling checklist
Next we move on to the middle hinge. In some models Biryusa it is attached to the refrigerator body and holds the bottom door. Unscrew the bolts securing the middle hinge to the body. Now you can remove the bottom door by lifting it up. Pay attention to the pins or bushings that may fall out - do not lose them, they will be needed during reassembly.
After removing both doors, it is necessary to dismantle the stops, which are located on the opposite side of the body (where the door will open after rehanging). Usually these are small plastic or metal pins that are simply unscrewed or removed with pliers. In their place, plugs are installed that previously covered the holes on the working side.
| Work stage | Required tool | Execution time (min) | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Removing the top hinges | Screwdriver, key 8-10 mm | 5 | Low |
| Removing the top door | Assistant (preferably) | 3 | Medium |
| Removing the middle hinge | 10 mm key | 5 | Low |
| Removing the bottom door | Assistant | 3 | Medium |
| Rearranging the stops | Pliers, screwdriver | 5 | Low |
It is important to follow the order in which the bolts are unscrewed, especially if they have different lengths. Although in refrigerators Biryusa threaded connections are usually standardized, mixed up fasteners can create problems during assembly.
Installing hinges and installing doors on a new side
After the preparatory work, we proceed to installation. On the opposite side of the refrigerator body you will find threaded holes covered with plastic plugs. Remove the plugs and screw them into the vacated holes on the working side to maintain symmetry and a neat appearance.
Install the lower support loop to a new location. Some models require you to move the hinge pin to a different hole on the door itself. This may require removing the old bushing and pressing or screwing it into a symmetrical hole on the other side of the door. Use a hammer and a suitable mandrel if the bushing is tight, but proceed carefully.
Now you can hang the bottom door. Insert the bottom hinge pin into the door hole and align it. Then install the middle hinge by threading it through the top hole of the bottom door and screwing it to the refrigerator body. Check that the gaps between the door and the body are uniform over the entire height.
Similar actions are performed with the upper door. Install the top hinge, aligning the holes, and secure it with bolts. Do not tighten the bolts “all the way” at once - first tighten them all, align the door, and only then finally fix it.
⚠️ Attention: When installing the doors, watch the wire trail (if any). It must pass freely through the technological channels and not be pinched by hinges or the body. Incorrect laying of the wires can lead to their breakage when opening the door.
Adjusting the position of the doors and checking the tightness
The final stage is adjustment. Even with careful installation, the door may warp or not fit tightly. In refrigerators Biryusa adjustment is usually carried out using adjusting bolts on hinges or by placing washers, although in modern models washers are rarely used.
Check the horizontal installation of the refrigerator itself using a level. If the refrigerator is not level, the door may open or close spontaneously. Adjust the front legs of the refrigerator by rotating them clockwise or counterclockwise to tilt the cabinet back slightly.
To check the tightness, use a simple test with a sheet of paper. Press the door around the perimeter of the sheet and try to pull it out. If the paper is pulled out with force, the seal is good. If the sheet falls out or moves freely, the hinge needs to be adjusted or the seal replaced.
Also pay attention to the operation of the magnetic lock (if there is one) and the latch. The door should close with a characteristic tight bang, but without the need to apply excessive physical force. If the door closes tightly, check whether it touches the shelves or products inside.
Frequent errors and troubleshooting
In the process of work, beginners often make mistakes that can negate all efforts. One of the most common is the loss of fasteners. Bolts from different hinges may look the same, but have different thread lengths. By mixing them up, you can damage the threads in the case or fail to tighten the loop.
Another problem is damage to the enamel coating if the tool is not used carefully. A metal screwdriver or wrench can easily chip the paint, leading to further corrosion. Always control the position of the tool and use a rag to protect the surface.
- ❌ Error: Tightening the bolts without first aligning the door. Solution: First tighten all the bolts, set the gaps, then tighten.
- ❌ Error: Ignoring checking the floor level. Solution: Be sure to adjust the legs of the refrigerator before hanging the doors.
- ❌ Error: Attempting to lift the door alone on heavy models. Solution: Involve a second person for insurance and weight support.
If after installation you notice that the door begins to touch the body or shelves, Check that the limit stops are installed correctly. Sometimes it is necessary to remove the door and reinstall the pins in other holes at the end of the door itself, if the design allows for this.
What to do if the hinge bolts are rusty?
If the bolts do not unscrew due to corrosion, do not use excessive force so as not to strip the threads. Treat the joint with a penetrating lubricant (such as WD-40) and leave for 15-20 minutes. After this, try to carefully remove the bolt. As a last resort, you can slightly heat the metal around the bolt, but be careful not to damage the plastic and paint.
Is it possible to hang a door if it has a display?
Yes, you can, but it requires more caution. You will have to disconnect the wires. Be sure to take a photo of the connection diagram before disconnecting. Make sure that the length of the wires is sufficient to transfer to the other side - in some rare cases, it may be necessary to extend the cable, although in Biryusa the wires usually have a reserve.
Is it necessary to change the seal when re-hanging?
No, the standard rubber seal (magnetic tape) is symmetrical and does not require replacement when re-hanging the door. However, if the seal has lost elasticity, has cracks or is deformed, it is better to replace it at the same time as re-hanging it, since access to the seal fasteners is open at this moment.
Why does the door not stay closed after re-hanging?
Most likely, the angle of inclination of the refrigerator is broken. For proper closure, the top hinge should be slightly further from the vertical than the bottom (the body should be tilted back). Adjust the front legs by twisting them to raise the front of the refrigerator. Also check if anything inside (shelves, products) is preventing the tight closure.
Where can I get new plugs for holes if the old ones are lost?
If you have lost plastic plugs, you can order them at the service center Biryusa or select universal furniture plugs of a suitable diameter and color in hardware store. As a last resort, the holes can be carefully sealed with pieces of self-adhesive film in the color of the case, although this is less aesthetically pleasing.