Many owners of household appliances are faced with a situation where the standard door location becomes inconvenient due to the peculiarities of the kitchen layout or new interior design. The question of how to move the Indesit refrigerator door to the other side often arises when moving or buying a corner set. Fortunately, the design of most models Indesit, including two-chamber series, provides for this possibility, which significantly expands the options for placing the unit.
The re-hanging process requires accuracy, but is not a very complex engineering task for a home craftsman. You will need a minimum set of tools, an assistant, and strict adherence to the sequence of actions. In this article, we will analyze each stage in detail, paying special attention to the nuances of working with two-chamber models, where the upper and lower chambers may have their own design features.
Before proceeding with dismantling, it is important to make sure that your refrigerator actually supports reverse. Almost all modern two-chamber models Indesit have symmetrical holes on the body and hidden hinges. However, in some budget or specific series, the handles may be permanent or integrated into the blade, which makes rearrangement impossible without damaging the appearance.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
High-quality preparation is the key to successful completion of the job without scratching the floor or breaking plastic elements. To work, you will need a set of open-end or socket wrenches, most often sizes 8, 10 and 12 mm, as well as Phillips and flat-head screwdrivers. Some models may require hexagons, so it is better to prepare a complete set in advance so as not to be interrupted during the process.
Particular attention should be paid to protecting the floor covering and the refrigerator body itself. When removing heavy metal doors, there is a high risk of dropping the tool or hitting the corner of the furniture. Cover your work area with thick cardboard or an old blanket. It is also recommended to clear space around the unit with a radius of at least one meter for maneuvers.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply! Unplug and allow the compressor to cool for 10-15 minutes. This will prevent the risk of electric shock and damage to the cooling system if the tubes are accidentally bent.
It is also important to prepare a container for small parts. Bolts, plugs and washers tend to get lost at the most inopportune moment. Place them on a magnetic tray or in labeled containers so that when assembling you don’t have to guess which screw goes where.
☑️ Preparing to rehang the doors
Removing the top handles and decorative panels
The first step is always dismantling the top parts of the structure. In two-chamber models Indesit the upper door (freezer) is usually attached to the top panel of the case or to a special crossbar. You need to start with it, since it holds the main load.
If your model has external handles installed, they must be removed first. The mounting screws are often hidden under decorative caps or located inside the handle hole. Carefully pry up the plastic covers with a flat screwdriver, being careful not to damage them, and unscrew the fasteners.
In some modifications, the top panel of the refrigerator is removable and secured with hinges or latches. You will need to unscrew the screws holding this cover in place and remove it. Below it you will see the upper door hinges and, possibly, the control system wires if the display is located on the facade.
- 🔧 Use a magnetic screwdriver to avoid dropping the screws inside the refrigerator body.
- 📸 Take a photo of the location of the wires before disconnecting, so as not to confuse the contacts during assembly.
- 🛡️ Place masking tape on the edges of the doors to protect the enamel from chipping when using the tool.
After removing the top coating or freeing access to the hinges, do not rush to unscrew them. The refrigerator door is heavy and may fall without support. Have an assistant hold the door leaf firmly while you unscrew the top hinge mounting bolts.
What to do if the screws are rusty?
If the fasteners do not give in, do not use excessive force to avoid stripping the threads. Treat the joint with a penetrating lubricant (such as WD-40) and leave for 10-15 minutes. Tap the head of the bolt with light blows of a hammer through the cloth to destroy the oxides.
Removing the top door of the freezer
This is the most crucial moment that requires coordination of actions. One person should hold the door, and the second should unscrew the top hinge mounting bolts. There are usually two or three of them, and they have fairly large carvings. After unscrewing the bolts, the hinge is removed, and the door is carefully placed in a safe place, placed on a soft cloth.
Pay attention to the condition of the rubber seal. While the door is removed, it makes sense to inspect it for cracks or dirt. If you plan to change the opening side, now is the time to move the handle to the opposite end of the door, if the design allows it. To do this, there are often already threaded holes on the back of the door, closed with plastic plugs.
It is better to lean the removed door against the wall, covering it with soft objects so that it does not fall. Do not place it on its edge - this may lead to deformation of the internal contour or damage to the thermal insulation. A horizontal position on a floor covered with cardboard is the safest.
Now you need to move the latch rod (clamp) to the opposite side of the housing. In most models Indesit it is removed with pliers or simply squeezed out from the back side. In the new location it is fixed in the same way. Make sure that the rod moves freely and does not get stuck.
⚠️ Attention: When removing the hinges, watch the washers and bushings. They can be of different diameters or thicknesses. Remember or take a photograph of their order, since incorrect assembly can lead to sagging of the door.
Working with the bottom door of the refrigerator compartment
After the top door has been removed and set aside, we move on to the main refrigerator compartment. The principle of action here is similar, but there are some nuances. The bottom door on two-compartment models is often heavier due to the product contents and the design of the shelves. Fastening can be done through an intermediate hinge that connects the upper and lower doors.
You need to unscrew the middle hinge. At this point, the refrigerator door remains hanging only on the bottom pin or does not have any fixation at all, so the support of an assistant is critical. After removing the middle hinge bolts, the door is carefully removed from the lower pin and set aside.
In the free space you will see the lower hinge. It also needs to be dismantled. Unlike the top hinge, the bottom hinge often has a pin on which the door fits. When rehanging, this axis is moved to the other side or a symmetrical hole in the housing is used.
Check the condition of the lower support pin. If there are traces of corrosion or wear on it, it is better to replace it or lubricate it with graphite lubricant. This will ensure smooth movement of the door and no squeaks in the future.
Installing the doors on the new side
Assembly is done in the reverse order, but using mirror holes. Start by installing the bottom hinge in its new location. Screw the mounting bolts into the prepared holes on the opposite side of the housing. Make sure that they are tightened tightly, but not fanatically, so as not to strip the threads in the aluminum housing.
Then install the bottom door on the hinge pin. Have an assistant hold it upright. Now you need to install the middle loop. It is important here not to confuse the top and bottom of the loop itself if it is asymmetrical. Align the hinge holes with the holes on the door and body, insert the bolts and tighten them.
The next step is to install the top door. Place it on the middle loop pin. Make sure that the doors are level and the gap between them is the same along the entire length. If the gap “walks,” the hinges may be skewed or the bolts are not tightened evenly.
Lastly, the top hinge and cover (if it has been removed) are installed. After installing all the mechanical parts, you can begin installing the handles in new places. Do not forget to rearrange the plugs into the vacated holes to maintain an aesthetic appearance.
| Element | Action during transfer | Important nuance |
|---|---|---|
| Top loop | Rearrangement to the opposite side | Keep track of the order of the washers |
| Middle loop | Dismantling and reinstallation | Control verticality |
| Bottom hinge | Move the axis or the entire hinge | Check the lubrication of the pin |
| Latch rod | Move to the other side | Check the free progress |
Adjustment and checking the tightness
After all the doors are installed in new places, it is necessary to make a final adjustment. Doors should open freely, without jamming, and close tightly with a slight push. If the refrigerator door Indesit does not close tightly, check the position of the stoppers or adjusting bolts on the hinges (if provided by the design).
Checking the tightness is a critical step. Take a piece of paper or a banknote and clamp it around the perimeter of the door. The paper should be pulled out with noticeable force. If it falls out freely or passes too easily, it means that the pressure in this place is broken. In this case, you may need to warm up the seal with a hairdryer (be careful not to overheat the plastic) or adjust the tilt of the refrigerator itself.
Often, in order to close the doors correctly, it is necessary to change the tilt angle of the entire unit. The front of the refrigerator has adjustable feet. By twisting or unscrewing them, you can lift the front part so that the door closes itself under the influence of gravity.
Do not forget to connect the “No Frost” system or display if the wires were disconnected. Make sure the connectors click into place until they click. Plug in the refrigerator and listen to it work. During the first hours of operation, check whether ice appears on the door joints.
⚠️ Attention: After rearranging the doors and turning on the refrigerator, let it run idle (without food) for 4-6 hours. This is necessary to stabilize the temperature regime and check the correct operation of the compressor after transportation and manipulation.
Common mistakes and their elimination
When re-hanging doors on their own, beginners often make mistakes that can lead to misalignment or damage to the seal. One of the most common problems is the loss or mix-up of fasteners. The bolts from the top and bottom hinges may differ in length, and installing a long bolt in a short hole can damage the inner wall.
Another mistake is ignoring the height adjustment of the support legs. If the refrigerator is positioned strictly horizontally or tilted backwards, the doors may not close on their own. The correct position is a slight tilt back so that the center of gravity of the door shifts towards closing.
It is also worth mentioning the damage to the seal. If handled carelessly or with strong tension on the wires, the elastic band may become deformed. In this case, treating with hot air or replacing the seal with a new one will help, since rehanging the doors is an excellent time for modernization.
- 🚫 Do not use an impact tool (drill, screwdriver) to screw bolts into the aluminum body - it is easy to break the threads.
- 🚫 Do not leave the doors open for a long time without fixing them harms the compressor.
- 🚫 Do not ignore the wires: when rearranging, make sure that the cables are not pinched by the door leaf.
If after all the manipulations you notice that the door does not fit tightly in one corner, try loosening the hinges a little, pressing the door with your hand for tight contact and tightening the bolts again. This method often allows you to eliminate micro-distortions.
Is it possible to hang the door yourself by yourself?
Technically this is possible, but it is highly not recommended. The doors of two-compartment refrigerators are heavy and bulky. Without the help of a second person, there is a high risk of dropping the door, damaging the floor, breaking glass (if any) or getting a back injury. If there is no assistant, use reliable stands under the door when unscrewing the hinges.
What to do if the holes on the new side are closed?
In 99% of cases, the holes are closed with plastic plugs that need to be carefully removed. If you find that there are physically no holes (no threads), it means that your specific model Indesit does not support reversing the doors, and you absolutely should not try to drill the body - this will damage the thermal insulation and the body.
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before moving it?
Yes, this is a mandatory requirement. First, food may fall out and stain the floor or spill. Secondly, ice in the freezer adds extra weight, which is dangerous when dismantling. Thirdly, water may flow out of the drain when the unit is tilted. Complete defrosting and drying is the key to clean and safe operation.
Why, after rehanging, does the door not hold and open?
Most likely, the angle of inclination of the refrigerator itself is broken. The front legs should be twisted so that the front is slightly higher than the back. Also check whether anything is preventing the closure (protruding kitchen element, carpet) and whether the latch rod is installed correctly.