Changing the kitchen layout or simply rearranging furniture often dictates new conditions for location of household appliances. The situation when refrigerator door opens in the wrong direction is familiar to many owners who are faced with the impossibility of fully using the kitchen space. Fortunately, the design of most modern units provides the ability to change the opening side, which allows you to adapt the device to any interior solutions without compromising functionality.
The process of reversions door leaf may seem complicated only at first glance, but if you have a basic set of tools and strictly follow the algorithm, you can actually complete this task yourself. The main thing is to understand that each brand, be it Bosch, LG or Indesithas its own design features for fastening hinges and handles. Ignoring these nuances can lead to distortion or damage to the seal, so it is important to act consistently and carefully.
In this article we will analyze in detail all stages of the work, from preparing the tool to the final adjustment of the gaps. You will learn which ones tools needed, how to safely dismantle the fittings and what to pay special attention to during installation. A correctly performed procedure will not only solve the problem with opening, but will also extend the service life of the sealing rubber, ensuring the tightness of the chamber.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
Before starting any manipulations with the body of the refrigeration unit, you must carefully prepare the workspace and tools. Lack of the required wrench or the wrong screwdriver can cause broken bolt edges or damage to decorative trims. A standard home craftsman's kit usually includes a Phillips and flat-head screwdriver, as well as a set of hex keys or socket heads, the size of which depends on the model of equipment.
Particular attention should be paid to protecting the floor covering, since the removed door has significant weight and can scratch the floor if not careful movement. It is recommended to cover the work area with thick cardboard, an old blanket or a special rug. You will also need free space next to the refrigerator, where you can temporarily put the dismantled canvas without damaging it or touching other objects.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply! This is critical for safety, since you will be working in close proximity to electrical components and possible condensation.
For ease of assembly and subsequent installation of all elements in new places, prepare a container for small parts in advance. Bolts, washers, plugs and decorative covers are easy to lose, and their absence can make it impossible to complete the installation. Some craftsmen advise taking photographs of each stage of disassembly so that during reassembly you have a visual clue regarding the location fasteners.
☑️ Preparing to hang the door
Design features of doors of various brands
The design of door mechanisms from different manufacturers may differ significantly, which directly affects the complexity and sequence of actions. Most budget and mid-range models use a simple system where the handle is part of the body or is attached to two visible bolts, which greatly simplifies the process modifications. However, in the premium segment there are hidden mechanisms and integrated control systems that require a more delicate approach.
One of the common features is the presence electronic components on the door leaf. If your model has a display, control buttons or indicators located on the facade, simply turning the door over will not work. In such cases, it is necessary to disconnect cables and wires, which adds complexity to the work and requires increased caution so as not to damage thin contacts.
Below is a table showing common types of fasteners and their features for popular brands:
| Brand | Type of handle fastening | Presence of electronics on the door | Difficulty of re-hanging |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlant | Visible bolts under the plugs | Rarely | Low |
| LG | Hidden screws inside the handle | Often (displays) | Medium/High |
| Bosch | Combined (screws + latches) | Depends on the series | Medium |
| Indesit | Visible bolts | No | Low |
It is important to understand that even within the model range of one manufacturer there may be different versions. Therefore, having the original instructions or its digital copy from the Internet is a huge plus. If the documentation is lost, searching for the exact model name (usually found on a label inside the chamber) will help you find specific disassembly instructions.
What to do if the instructions are lost?
If you cannot find the paper instructions, enter the exact model of your refrigerator (for example, Bosch KGN39...) into the search engine with the postscript "hinge diagram" or "manual". Manufacturers often post PDF files on their official websites in the support section. Video reviews on YouTube are also useful, where craftsmen show the process of disassembling your particular series of refrigerators. bolts. Depending on the model, it can be removed by light pressure, moving to the side or prying with a flat-head screwdriver, so be careful not to break the plastic fasteners.
Dismantling the top hinge and removing the door leaf
The process of removing a door always begins with the top fastening, since it is this that bears the main load of maintaining the weight of the door leaf in a vertical position. First you need to remove the decorative plug, which usually hides the mounting bolts. Depending on the model, it may be removed by applying gentle pressure, sliding to the side, or prying with a flathead screwdriver, so be careful not to break the plastic clips.
After gaining access to the bolts, they must be loosened, but not completely unscrewed until the door is securely fixed. At this stage, an assistant is required: one person holds the heavy door leaf, preventing it. fall, and the second completely unscrews fastening screws. Abrupt removal of the load can lead to injury or damage to the floor covering.
In parallel with unscrewing the upper hinge, if the model is equipped with a magnetic lock or lock, it is often necessary to dismantle the counter part of the mechanism B. some refrigerators ATLANT or Stinol the top hinge may be combined with a decorative cover, which must be carefully removed before accessing the metal. Do not use excessive force; if the element does not give way, check if there is another hidden screw.
When the top fastenings are released, carefully remove the door. lifts up and is removed from the lower axis. At this moment, it is important to avoid sudden movements, since there may be glass shelves inside, which, if they hit the body, will break. It is better to immediately put the removed panel in a safe place, having first removed all heavy objects and products from it.
Working with the lower support and rearranging the fittings
After. After removing the door leaf, attention turns to the lower part of the structure. Here is the support pin or axle, which often needs to be moved to the opposite side. To do this, you may need to remove the base grille of the refrigerator, which is attached with latches or magnets. The bottom panel is hidden under it, where the axle attachment point is located.
In the vacant place (where the door was) and in the new place (where we will be). outweigh) technological holes are located. Plugs are installed in them: where there was a loop, a decorative cover is placed, and where there was none, the holes are closed with blind plugs included in the kit or already installed by the manufacturer. It is important not to confuse the configuration of the plugs. data-i="110">How to solder a capillary tube on a refrigerator: instructionsin order to maintain the aesthetic appearance of the unit