Changing the side of the door opening is a standard procedure necessary when remodeling a kitchen or purchasing new household appliances. Owners of units Stinol often face the need to move the hitch in order to provide convenient access to products. Two-chamber models of this brand structurally allow you to perform this operation yourself, without resorting to the services of service centers.
The process takes no more than 40-60 minutes if you follow the sequence of actions and have a basic set of tools on hand. The main thing is to understand that rehanging doors requires care, since fastening elements often stick or have specific tolerances. Before starting work, be sure to disconnect the device from the power supply for your safety.
In this article we will analyze all the stages of dismantling and installing hinges, and also touch upon important nuances specific to refrigerators Stinol. You will learn what tools you will need and how to avoid common mistakes that can lead to skewing of the canvas.
Preparation of tools and workplace
High-quality preparation is the key to successful completion of the job. You will need not only physical strength, but also a certain set toolsthat should be on hand before disassembly begins. The absence of the required screwdriver or key can stop the process halfway, which is undesirable when working with heavy structures.
- 🛠️ Set of screwdrivers: Phillips (PH2) and flat for dismantling decorative plugs.
- 🔧 Open-end 8 and 10 mm wrenches or sockets (often used in models Stinol).
- 🔨 A small hammer or mallet for carefully knocking down stuck-on elements.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges and grease.
Free up space in front of the refrigerator. You You will need to completely remove the doors and put them in a safe place, so make sure that there is a stable surface nearby (table, stool) covered with a soft cloth or cardboard. This will prevent scratches on the enamel and chips on the corners.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting work, be sure to defrost the chamber and remove all shelves and drawers. The door with the load inside may not withstand the load. hinges during dismantling, which will lead to breakage of the plastic or deformation of the metal.
☑️ Preparation for rehanging
Removing the top hinge and the freezer door
The process should always start from the top of the unit. In two-chamber models Stinol the top door is usually the freezer door. The first step is to remove the decorative plug that hides the fasteners of the top hinge. It can be made in the form of a plastic cover or. stickers.
Use a flat-head screwdriver to carefully pry off the plug. Do not use excessive force so as not to break the plastic fasteners. Under it you will find the bolts for securing the upper hinge. In some modifications, the wire for the temperature sensor or door open indicator may also be located there.
If your model is equipped with electronic controls or indicators on the door, before final removal of the loop, it is necessary to disconnect electrical connector. It is usually located inside the hinge body or next to it. Gently pull the connector without pulling on the wires themselves.
What to do if the bolts are rusted?
If the top hinge bolts do not unscrew due to corrosion, do not use excessive force immediately. Treat them with a penetrating lubricant (for example, WD-40) and leave for 10-15 minutes. Then try again. If this does not help, gently tap the bolt head with a hammer to loosen the threads.
After unscrewing the bolts, hold the door with one hand. hand, and remove the hinge with the other. Then carefully set the door aside. Now you have access to the upper part of the main body of the refrigerator.
Removing the central hinge and the main door
The next step is to remove the central hinge, which holds the lower door of the refrigerator. In the design, this part often performs a double function. function: secures the lower door and is a support for the upper part of the body or decorative panel. Stinol this piece often serves double duty: it secures the bottom door and supports the top of the cabinet or decorative panel.
Unscrew the bolts of the central hinge. Please note that in some models, wiring leading to lighting or sensors may pass under this hinge. If there are wires, they must be carefully disconnected or pulled through the technological holes, clearing the way for removing the door.
Remove the door. refrigerator compartment and set it aside. Now you only have the lower decorative panel (if it is removable) and the body. At this stage, you need to rearrange the door opening limiter. It is a plastic pin or screw located in the opposite corner of the door and the body.
- 📍 Find the hole plug for the limiter on the current side of the door.
- 📍 Unscrew it. limiter and screw it into a symmetrical hole on the other side.
- 📍 Close the vacated hole with a decorative plug.
Overhanging. handles and fittings
One of the most time-consuming parts of the process is rearranging the handles. In refrigerators Stinol handles can be hidden (embedded in the end of the door) or external. If you have a model with hidden handles, the procedure is simpler - you just need to rearrange the plugs.
For models with external handles will require their complete dismantling. Usually they are attached from the inside of the door with screws. Remove the inner panel of the door (if the design allows) or find the fasteners from the ends. Move the handles to the opposite side using pre-prepared holes.
It is important to check the package. In some cases, the manufacturer provides spare plugs and fasteners in a package with documents or attached to the rear wall of the unit. no, you can use those that were unscrewed on the other side, swapping them.
⚠️ Attention: When tightening the handle fastening screws, do not overtighten them. The plastic of the door is fragile, and excessive force can lead to cracks around the mounting hole.
If there are traces of old handles or plugs on the door, they can be carefully masked by selecting a sticker or using a special marker for the restoration of chips, although in the case of a refrigerator this is rarely noticeable.
Installing the doors on the new side
Assembly is carried out in the reverse order, but taking into account the new fastening points. Start by installing the bottom door (refrigerator compartment). Install the central hinge on the new side, threading the wires (if any) through. corresponding channels.
Hang the door on the lower axis (heel) and secure it with the central hinge. Do not immediately tighten the bolts until they stop. Leave a small gap so that you can make the adjustment later. adjusting the gapsMake sure that the door is level and not warped.
Then proceed to installing the upper door (freezer). Place it on the center hinge pin and secure it with the upper hinge. Connect the electrical connectors if your model is equipped with an indication or display on the door. Make sure that the wires are not pinched by the metal of the hinges.
| Element | Action. when reweighing | Important nuance |
|---|---|---|
| Upper loop | Move to the opposite side | Keep an eye on the sensor wires |
| Central loop | Dismantle and install mirrored | Check the condition of the bushings |
| Limiter | Move into a symmetrical hole | Use plugs |
| Handles | Move to the other side | Do not overtighten the screws |
After installing all the elements, check the vertical installation of the refrigerator itself. If the unit is not level, the doors may open spontaneously or, conversely, close too tightly. Adjust the front support ones. legs.
Adjusting and checking the work
The final stage is checking the tightness and smooth running. The door should open easily and close tightly from a short distance (usually 20-30 cm) thanks to the magnetic seal. If the door does not fit tightly, check whether a shelf or food packaging is in the way.
Pay attention to the gaps between the door and the body. They should be uniform along the entire length. If you notice misalignment, loosen the center and top hinge mounting bolts, straighten the door, and tighten them again. This is a standard procedure adjustment.
Plug in the refrigerator and let it run for several hours. Check whether the door closes tightly after opening. Make sure that the indicators (if any) work correctly and go out when closing.
What to do if, after rehanging, the door does not close tightly?
Check whether the opening limiter is installed correctly. Make sure that the rubber seal has not popped out of the groove or become deformed. Also, the cause may be incorrect adjustment of the tilt of the refrigerator itself - try unscrewing the front legs a little so that the body leans back.
Does it need to change the seal when rehanging?
No, replacing the seal is not required if it is in good condition. However, if you notice that on the old side it was pressed harder and has residual deformation, you can try heating it with a hairdryer (carefully!) to restore its shape, but usually this is not necessary.
Is it possible to hang the door alone?
Theoretically, it is possible, but the doors of two-chamber refrigerators are heavy and bulky. There is a risk of the door falling, damaging the floor, or causing injury. It is recommended to perform this operation with an assistant who will hold the door while unscrewing the hinges.