Changing the kitchen layout often requires rearranging household appliances, and at this moment the owners wonder how to move the Stinol refrigerator door to the other side. This procedure allows you to open access to products from a more convenient side, which is especially important for narrow kitchens or a corner location of the unit. The design of most models Stinol initially provides for the possibility of such a maneuver, but the process requires care and adherence to a certain sequence of actions.
You should not be afraid of difficulties, because the factory equipment usually includes all the necessary plugs and fasteners. Re-hanging doors is a standard service operation that can actually be performed independently, having a basic set of tools at hand. The main thing to remember before starting work: different series of refrigerators may have their own design features that affect the dismantling algorithm.
In this article we will analyze in detail the reverse process for various modifications, paying special attention to the nuances of removing hinges and rearranging handles. You will learn what tools are needed, how not to damage the seal, and what to do if the required plugs are not included in the kit. Properly performed work will ensure a long service life of the opening mechanism.
Preparation of tools and work area
Before starting physical impact on the unit, it is necessary to prepare the work space. The refrigerator must be moved away from the wall so that it can be approached from all sides, providing free access to the hinges and ends. Be sure to disconnect the device from the electrical outlet by unplugging the plug from the socket to eliminate the risk of a short circuit or accidental activation of the compressor during work.
To complete the task, you will need a standard DIY kit. The main tool will be an open-end wrench or an 8 mm socket, since this is the size of the fastener most often used in technology Stinol. Flat and Phillips screwdrivers are also useful, which will help remove decorative trims and plastic plugs without damaging their structure.
- 🛠️ A set of open-end wrenches or a ratchet with heads (main size 8 mm, sometimes 10 mm).
- 🪛 Screwdrivers: flat (wide and narrow) and cross (PH2).
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal edges.
- 📦 A container for folding small parts so that they do not get lost.
It is important to prepare a clean surface next to the refrigerator, where you can temporarily put the removed doors. It is better to cover the floor with soft material, such as a blanket or cardboard, so that the enamel is not scratched if heavy elements accidentally fall. If you have an assistant, be sure to involve him, as the doors, especially the bottom one, can be quite heavy and awkward to hold with one hand.
☑️ Preparing to rehang
Design features of Stinol models
Brand equipment Stinolproduced in factories in Lipetsk (often together with Indesit or Hotpoint-Ariston), has a unified fastening system. However, depending on the year of manufacture and the specific series, different types of handles and hinges may be found. The most common models are those with hidden upper hinges and visible lower ones, or completely hidden fittings under decorative panels.
Particular attention should be paid to the type of handles. In some models they are part of the body and cannot be removed, in others they are attached to screws that need to be unscrewed when the door is removed. Models with an electronic display on the door they require an additional step of work associated with disconnecting the wire loop, which increases the complexity of the process.
| Model type | Location of loops | Complexity | Nuances |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-chamber | Top/Bottom | Low | Simple diagram, minimum details |
| Two-chamber (low frost) | Hidden/Visible | Average | You need to remove both doors |
| No Frost with display | Hidden | High | Requires electrical work |
Before disassembling, carefully inspect the ends of the doors and the top cover of the refrigerator. There may be technological holes closed with plastic plugs. It is in these holes that the hinges will be installed after transfer to the other side. If the plugs are not included in the kit, they can be carefully removed from the opposite side, where they are already installed.
What to do if the bolts are rusty?
If the hinge mounting bolts have soured and do not unscrew, do not use excessive force so as not to strip the threads. Treat the joints with a penetrating lubricant (such as WD-40) and leave for 15-20 minutes. After this, try to carefully remove the bolts with a wrench, lightly tapping it to destroy the oxides.
Removing the upper door and hinge
The process begins from the top of the unit. You will first need to remove the trim panel, if present, to gain access to the top hinge hardware. In models Stinol this panel is often held on by latches or small screws hidden under plastic plugs. Be careful not to break the fragile plastic.
After gaining access to the hinge, support the door with your hand (or ask an assistant) to unscrew the fastening bolts. Do not release the door immediately, as it may fall. Carefully lift the door up, removing it from the bottom hinge pin, and set it aside in a safe place. Now you have free access to the upper hinge, which also needs to be removed by unscrewing the fastening bolts.
⚠️ Attention: When removing the door from its hinges, try not to bend it sharply, especially if the design contains refrigerant supply pipes (found in older models with perimeter heating). Although this is rare in modern Stinols, caution will not hurt.
Next you need to rearrange the handle if the design requires it. On many models, the handle is symmetrical, and you simply need to turn it over or move it to the opposite side using the provided holes. If the handle is asymmetrical, check the package for the presence of a second copy or a mirror part.
Removing the bottom door and rearranging the fittings
The bottom door (freezer) is usually attached to one or two hinges, which also need to be released. The algorithm is similar: remove the decorative trim, unscrew the fasteners, hold the door and remove it. It is important not to lose any bushings or washers that may be under the hinge, as they provide the correct clearance for opening.
Now we move on to preparing the holes on the opposite side. At the ends of the body and doors you will see a number of holes: some are occupied by plugs, others are free. Rearranging the plugs - a critical stage for aesthetics. Carefully remove the plastic plugs from the used holes and install them in the places where you just unscrewed the hinges.
- 🔄 Remove the bottom hinge pin from the body (if it is removable) and move it to the hole on the other side.
- 🔩 Install the bottom hinge to a new location, but do not tighten the bolts all the way yet.
- 🚪 Hang the bottom door, getting the pin into the bushing, and check the evenness of the installation.
- 🔨 Install the middle hinge (if the model is a three-chamber or a two-chamber design of this required).
After installing the lower door in a new location, you can begin installing the upper door. First, the top hinge is installed on the new side, then the door is hung on it. The bolts should be tightened sequentially, but final tightening is best done after checking the horizontal level and gaps.
Nuances for models with electronics and No Frost
If your Stinol equipped with a display on the door or a No Frost air duct system, the process becomes more complicated. In these models, the top loop often has a wiring harness running through it, connecting the control board to the sensors or display. When removing the top cover and hinge, you must be extremely careful not to damage the wiring.
When removing a door with wires, you must first disconnect the connectors. They can be located inside the housing above the top door or in the hinge itself. Remember or take a photo of the connection diagram so that you don’t mix up the contacts during assembly. Some connectors have latches that need to be pressed out with your fingers or a thin screwdriver.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to pull the wires. All connections must be made only through standard connectors. Damage to the insulation can lead to a short circuit and failure of the refrigerator control unit.
In No Frost systems, it is also important to correctly install the air duct damper if it is mechanical and depends on the opening side. However, in most modern Stinol models, air circulation is organized in such a way that rearranging the door does not affect the operation of the cooling system; only mechanical transfer of elements is required.
Final assembly and adjustment of gaps
After all the doors are installed in new places and the hinges are screwed, the final adjustment stage begins. Doors must close tightly, without distortions or spontaneous opening. If you notice that the door does not adhere to the body along the entire length of the seal, you need to adjust the height of the refrigerator legs or tighten the loose hinge bolts.
Check the operation of the magnetic lock: the door should stick evenly around the perimeter. If there is a gap in one corner, try loosening the hinge slightly on that side, pressing the door down, and tightening the bolts again. Also make sure that when closing the door, it does not touch shelves or products on adjacent shelves.
- 👀 Visually assess the symmetry of the gaps between the door and the body.
- 👐 Try closing the door from different heights - it should close on its own on the last centimeter.
- 🕒 Let the refrigerator stand for 3-4 hours before turning it on if you tilted it too much during work (the oil in the compressor needs to drain).
Plug in the refrigerator and listen to the work. A loose door seal can cause the compressor to run continuously, trying to build up temperature. Therefore, the quality of adjustment seal needs to be given maximum attention.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it necessary to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging the doors?
Defrosting is not a mandatory technical requirement for changing the side of the doors. However, if there is a lot of ice in the freezer, the doors may be heavier and the inside may be slippery. It is recommended to remove all products and shelves to lighten the weight and prevent them from falling.
What to do if the plugs for the holes are lost?
If the plastic plugs are lost, the holes can be covered with decorative stickers in the color of the case or use plugs from other old equipment of a suitable diameter. You can also carefully paint over the holes with a marker if they are located at the end and are not conspicuous.
Is it possible to hang the door by one person?
Technically this is possible, but it is extremely inconvenient and risky for the back. Refrigerator doors are heavy and have an offset center of gravity. It is strongly recommended that two people work, so that one person holds the door and the other works with the tool.
Why, after rehanging, does the door close on its own, but not all the way?
Most likely, the horizontal level of the refrigerator is broken. Try unscrewing the front adjustable feet (legs) of the refrigerator to raise the front of the refrigerator. The door should open with little effort and close itself when released.