Changing the direction of opening the door is one of the most popular procedures when moving or remodeling a kitchen space. Many equipment owners are faced with the fact that the standard hitch becomes inconvenient under new operating conditions. Fortunately, the design of most modern refrigeration units makes it easy to change the position of the hinges without calling a technician. If you decide turn the door on your unit, you will only need a basic set of tools and attention to detail.
The brand Pozis has established itself as a manufacturer that provides the possibility of such modernization in its models. The procedure does not require deep engineering knowledge, however, ignoring the sequence of actions can lead to damage to decorative elements or loss of tightness. In this article, we will analyze in detail the process for various series of refrigerators, paying special attention to the nuances of fastening the fittings.
Before starting work, it is important to make sure that you have accurately determined the side on which you plan to hang the door. This is critically important, since drilling additional holes or damaging the plastic if improperly prepared can be fatal to the appearance of the equipment. Below we provide a list of necessary equipment and a step-by-step algorithm of actions.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any manipulations, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the electrical network. Working with live electrical appliances is prohibited by safety regulations.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
Quality performance of work directly depends on preparation. You don't need a complex professional tool; a standard home craftsman's kit is enough. The main thing is that all items are at hand so as not to interrupt the process and not lose small parts.
First of all, take care of the free space around the refrigerator. You will need to move the unit away from the wall and provide access from all sides, including the top. It is better to cover the floor with a soft material, such as cardboard or thick fabric, so as not to scratch the coating if parts accidentally fall.
For work you will need the following tools:
- 🔧 Screwdriver or a Phillips screwdriver for removing the fastening screws.
- 🔩 A set of open-end wrenches or socket heads (most often, sizes 8, 10 mm are required).
- 🧤 Protective gloves to prevent cuts on sharp metal edges.
- 📏 Pliers for removing locking pins or plugs.
- 🧼 Soft rags for wiping the fastening points from dust and old grease.
Special attention should be paid to the fasteners. It is better to put all screws and bolts in a separate container so that they do not get lost. Some models Pozis may use specific screws, so it is recommended not to confuse them with fasteners from other furniture or equipment.
☑️ Check before starting work
Analysis of the design and features of Pozis models
Refrigerators Pozis are produced in various modifications, and the design of the hinges may differ depending on the series. There are models with top and bottom freezing, as well as two-chamber units, where the opening direction of both chambers changes synchronously or independently.
In classic models with a top freezer, the hanging system is usually symmetrical. On the opposite side of the housing, technological holes may already be provided, closed with decorative plugs. However, in some budget series there may be no holes for hinges, and you will have to drill them yourself, which requires high precision.
Models with the No Frost or Low Frostsystem require special attention. They can accommodate electrical cables or refrigerant pipes through the loop. When rehanging the door in such models, it is necessary to carefully disconnect the connectors or rearrange the communications so as not to damage the insulation.
Below is a table that helps determine the type of your model and the necessary actions:
| Model type | Location of the freezer | Availability of ready-made holes | Complexity of work |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classical (Raymond) | Top | Yes (muffled) | Low |
| From the bottom freezer | Bottom | Yes (muffled) | Medium |
| Single chamber (Shubai) | Absent | Required check | Low |
| With electronic display | Any | Yes (there are wires) | High |
Nuances of old models
Refrigerators manufactured before 2010 may use hinges that require adjustment of the gap after rehanging. If you are the owner of a rare model, check the condition of the rubber seals - during dismantling they may become deformed, and it is better to replace them with new ones.
Dismantling the top door and main door
The process of removing doors should start from top to bottom. This rule is dictated by the design of most refrigerators, where the upper door rests on the lower one or has independent fastenings, which are more convenient to dismantle first.
First, remove the decorative cover from the top hinge. It can be held on by latches or a small screw. Gently pry it open with a flat head screwdriver, being careful not to use too much force to avoid breaking the plastic. Under the cover you will see mounting bolts.
Use the appropriate wrench to unscrew the top hinge bolts. Important: at this moment the door must be securely fixed, since it is no longer held in place by anything. It is better to ask an assistant to hold the door or use stops.
After removing the bolts, carefully lift the door from the hinge and place it in a safe place. Your path to the bottom door is now open. If you have a model with one chamber, then after removing the upper part (if any) or decorative element, you proceed to the main door.
For the main door, the algorithm is similar:
- 🚪 Remove the protective cover from the bottom hinge.
- 🔩 Unscrew the mounting bolts, holding the door.
- 🙌 Remove the door from the lower hinge pin.
- 🧹 Clean the ends of the case from dust.
⚠️ Attention: Do not leave the refrigerator without doors for a long time if the room has high humidity. This can lead to corrosion of internal elements or dust getting into the ventilation ducts.
Rehanging the handles and rearranging the plugs
After the doors are removed, you need to move the handles to the opposite side. In most models Pozis the handles are attached to screws on the inside of the door or have a hidden fastening mechanism.
Find the handle attachment points on the current side. They are usually closed with plastic plugs that match the color of the door. Remove them carefully. Unscrew the screws and remove the handle. Then find the corresponding holes on the back of the door. If there are factory plugs there, remove them and install them in the vacant places.
Fasten the handle in the new place. Make sure that the screws are tightened tightly, but not overtightened, so as not to strip the threads in the plastic bushings. If the model involves rearranging decorative panels or a logo, perform these steps now while the door is lying horizontally.
Now let's move on to the body of the refrigerator. On the side where the doors will open, it is necessary to remove stoppers or limiters, if any. On the free side, on the contrary, you need to install plugs in the holes for the hinges to maintain an aesthetic appearance and prevent dirt from entering.
Installing doors on a new side
Installation is carried out in the reverse order of dismantling: first the lower door, then the upper. Install the bottom hinge to the new location using the prepared holes. Secure it with the bolts, but do not tighten them all the way yet - this will allow you to adjust the position of the door during the final adjustment.
Place the lower door onto the hinge pin. Check that it rotates freely and fits tightly to the body when closed. If everything is in order, you can begin installing the upper door. Insert the upper hinge into the hole on the body, put the door on it and secure it with bolts.
After installing all the elements, it is necessary to adjustment. Doors should close tightly to provide an airtight seal, but not too tightly. The gap between the doors (if there are two) should be uniform along the entire length.
Tighten all fastening bolts completely. Install decorative overlays on the hinges. Check the operation of magnetic latches or mechanical locks, if they are provided for in the design.
Adjusting gaps and eliminating distortions
Even with careful installation, fine tuning may be required. Misalignments are often caused by uneven floors or uneven tightening of bolts. If the door is skewed, it will not fit tightly against the seal, which will lead to the formation of ice and increased energy consumption.
To adjust, use the adjusting feet at the bottom of the refrigerator. By rotating them clockwise or counterclockwise, you can raise or lower the front or rear corners of the unit. This will help align the doors relative to each other.
If the misalignment is caused by the fastening itself, slightly loosen the hinge bolts and, by rocking the door, achieve the desired position. Then tighten the fasteners again. Check the operation along the entire height of the door leaf.
It is also worth checking the condition of sealing rubber. When overweighted, it could move. Set it back in place if gaps have formed somewhere. Make sure that the magnetic tape around the entire perimeter is in close contact with the metal body.
What to do if the door creaks?
Creaking after hanging often occurs due to metal-on-metal friction in the hinges. Place a couple of drops of machine oil or special refrigerator lubricant into the hinge gap, open and close the door several times to distribute the lubricant.
Is it possible to rehang the door if it has a display installed?
Yes, this is possible, but it requires more caution. You will have to carefully disconnect the cable cable going to the display, move it across the top of the door (if the design allows it) or disconnect it completely if the length of the cable does not allow transfer. In some models, the wires are laid inside the door, and their transfer is impossible without disassembling the door itself, which is best left to professionals.
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging?
It is advisable, but not necessary if you work quickly. However, if there is a lot of ice in the freezer, when you tilt or remove the doors, water may leak into the mechanisms or onto the floor. It is better to carry out the defrosting procedure in advance to avoid excess moisture and slipping.
What to do if the holes for the hinges do not match?
In 99% of cases, the holes on the refrigerator body Pozis are symmetrical and are already provided by the factory. If you don't see any holes, check to see if they are covered with decorative plugs. If there really are no holes (found in very old or specific models), they can only be drilled if there are precise markings and confidence in the absence of internal communications in this area.
How often can you rehang the doors?
Technically, the number of rehangs is not limited, but each time you act on the threaded connections. Frequent rearrangement can lead to wear of the plastic or metal seats. It is recommended to do this only if there is an urgent need, for example, when moving.