Changing the opening side of the door of a refrigeration unit is a popular procedure necessary when remodeling a kitchen or purchasing a new model of household appliances. It often happens that after installation refrigerator into a niche, it turns out that the handle rests against the wall or furniture, making operation impossible. In such a situation, there is no need to call a specialist, since most modern manufacturers provide the ability to independently change the attachment.
The process of transferring the canvas to the other side requires accuracy, the availability of a basic set of tools and an understanding of the design of fasteners. Incorrect actions can lead to damage to the housing, loss of seal tightness or breakdown of the closing mechanisms. In this article, we will analyze the algorithm of actions in detail, consider the nuances for different brands and answer frequently asked questions.
Before starting work, it is extremely important to make sure that your model technically allows such a modification. Single-chamber models and some budget versions may have an asymmetrical body design, which makes re-hanging impossible without major alterations. Carefully study the product data sheet before picking up a screwdriver.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply! This is critical for safety, as you will be working in close proximity to electrical components and wiring.
Required Tools and Workplace Preparation
To successfully complete the task, you will need a standard DIY kit. The main tool will be hex wrench, which often comes complete with household appliances, or a set of open-end wrenches. You may also need different types of screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead) and pliers for working with latches.
Prepare a flat surface next to the refrigerator where you can temporarily place the removed parts. It is better to cover the floor with soft cloth or cardboard so as not to damage the door enamel if it accidentally falls. If you have an assistant, call him - doing this work together is much safer and more convenient.
Don't forget to prepare a container for screws and bolts. Small details tend to get lost at the most inopportune moment. Lay them out in the order of removal so that when assembling you don’t get confused which fastener goes where.
- 🔧 Set of hex keys (metric and inch).
- 🪛 Screwdrivers: Phillips (PH2) and flat (SL4).
- 🔩 Open-end wrenches (usually 8, 10 or 12 mm).
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp edges.
- 🧼 Clean rags for wiping parts.
Pay special attention to the condition of the fasteners. If you find rust on the bolts, treat them first with a penetrating lubricant such as WD-40 and give it time to work. Sudden movements when unscrewing soured metal can lead to thread breakage or breakage of the bolt head.
Diagnostics of the possibility of overhanging and design features
Not all refrigeration units are created equally. Before starting dismantling, it is necessary to conduct a visual inspection of the housing. There should be threaded technological holes on the side walls where the door is now located and on the opposite side. If there are holes on one side, and on the other there is smooth metal without traces of the factory plug, then overweight is impossible.
It is also worth paying attention to the design of the handle. In some models, the handle is part of the body or has a complex shape that will not allow it to be used on the other side without replacement. Make sure that you have spare decorative plugs for the holes that are formed after dismantling.
The control system is an important element. If the buttons or display are located on the door leaf, you will need to disconnect electrical cable. In models without such electronics, the process is simpler, since there is no need to worry about the integrity of the wires.
⚠️ Attention: For some models, the top loop may be hidden under a decorative panel or cover. Do not use excessive force if the hinge cannot be removed - you may need to dismantle the plastic casing first.
Step-by-step instructions: dismantling the upper hinge and door
We begin the process by dismantling the upper part of the structure. First, remove the top cover of the refrigerator, if it is removable. It is usually held in place by latches or a couple of screws on the back. This will open access to the top hinge.
Using a suitable wrench, loosen the top hinge bolts. Do not remove them completely at once - just loosen them first so that you can lift the structure. If the door is heavy, be sure to hold it with your second hand or ask an assistant.
☑️ Preparation for dismantling
After loosening the fasteners, carefully lift the door up to remove it from the lower axis. Place the canvas on a prepared soft surface with the outer side down. Be careful not to damage sealing rubber the glass shelves inside if you have not removed them in advance.
Now you can completely unscrew the bolts of the top hinge and remove the hinge itself. Keep all parts in a safe place. If the door has a closer or stopper, it must also be dismantled according to the instructions for your model.
Moving the fittings and installing them on the opposite side
The next stage is rearranging the fastening elements on the door itself. Find the holes at the end of the canvas where the loop was attached and unscrew the studs or bolts from them. Move them into symmetrical holes on the other side. This often requires an allen key.
If your model is equipped with a magnetic lock or mechanical stop, they will also need to be rearranged. There may be a pin at the bottom of the door that needs to be twisted. To do this, you may need to remove the lower decorative panel of the refrigerator base.
| Element | Action | Tool | Nuance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper hinge | Dismantling and transfer | Wrench 10 mm | Keep an eye on the bushings |
| Door handle | Rearrangement (if necessary) | Hexagon | Do not strip the thread |
| Stop/Latch | Move to a new socket | Screwdriver | Check the progress mechanism |
| Lower support | Repositioning the axis | Pliers | Lubricate before installation |
When moving the handle, make sure you use the correct screws. Sometimes the length of fasteners for the left and right sides may differ. Using screws that are too long can lead to through penetration of the inner wall of the door and damage to the insulation.
After rearranging all mechanical elements, check their reliability. They should not dangle, but it’s also not worth tightening them until they are “forever”, so as not to break the threads in the aluminum door body.
Installing the door and connecting the electrics
Now we move on to installing the door in a new place. First of all, the lower hinge is mounted on the refrigerator body from the new side. Install it in the prepared holes and lightly tighten it with the bolts without tightening it completely.
Install the door on the lower axis, placing the pin in the hinge hole. Have a helper hold the blade straight while you work on the top. Level the door and finally tighten the bolts of the lower support.
What to do if the door is skewed?
If after installation you notice a skew, loosen the bolts of the lower hinge and place adjusting washers under it (or use adjusting screws, if provided by the design) until the door is perfectly level.
If your model has electronic controls on the door, now is the time to connect the cable. Carefully insert the connectors into the mating parts on the refrigerator body. Make sure that the wires are not pinched in loops or touching moving parts.
The final step is to install the top hinge. Place it on the door axis, align it with the holes on the housing cover and secure with bolts. After this, you can install decorative covers and plugs on the old holes.
Adjusting gaps and checking tightness
After installation, you need to check how tightly the door fits to the body. The gaps should be uniform around the entire perimeter. If you notice that the door does not fit tightly in one place, this can lead to loss of cold and the formation of ice.
To adjust, use the screws on the hinges. By loosening or tightening them, you can change the position of the door in space. Also, many models have adjustable supports at the bottom of the refrigerator, by rotating which you can change the tilt of the entire body, which will help the door close by gravity.
Check the operation of the closers and latches. The door should open smoothly, without squeaks, and slam shut tightly with a slight push. If a crack is heard or abrasions are visible, then additional position adjustment is required.
⚠️ Attention: The design of the hinges and the location of the adjusting screws may vary depending on the year of manufacture and the specific series of the refrigerator. Always check the manufacturer's technical documentation if the standard algorithm does not produce results.
Common errors and ways to eliminate them
One of the most common mistakes is ignoring the floor level. If the refrigerator is crooked, no amount of adjusting the hinges will help achieve proper closure. Always start by aligning the body horizontally.
Another mistake is the loss or confusion of fasteners. The bolts from the top and bottom hinges can have different lengths and thread pitches. Installing the wrong bolt can lead to jamming of the mechanism or damage to the case.
- ❌ Forgot to remove the transport locks from the compressor (if the refrigerator is new).
- ❌ Overtightened the bolts, breaking the threads in the soft metal.
- ❌ Forgot to connect the connectors sensors, wondering why the light is not on.
- ❌ They did not check the freedom of opening the door completely.
If after all the manipulations the door still does not close tightly, check the condition of the sealing rubber. Perhaps during re-edging it turned up somewhere or became deformed. It can be straightened or heated with a hairdryer to restore its shape.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to rehang the door on the Atlant refrigerator yourself?
Yes, most Atlant models structurally allow you to change the opening side. However, in some old or specific series, it may be necessary to replace the door itself with a symmetrical one, since the holes can only be on one side.
What to do if, after rehanging, there is a gap at the top?
The gap at the top is often eliminated by adjusting the height of the legs of the refrigerator. Also check that the top hinge is installed correctly and that the decorative cover is not in the way. Sometimes it helps to temporarily remove the load from the door (remove food) to “shrink” the seal.
Do you need to wait after installation before turning on the refrigerator?
If you did not tilt the refrigerator more than 45 degrees and did not shake it, there is no need to wait. However, if you pumped the unit a lot during operation, it is recommended to wait 2-4 hours before turning it on so that the oil in the compressor flows into the crankcase.
Where should the old holes go after moving the door?
Plastic plugs are usually included with the refrigerator. If they are lost, you can use special furniture plugs of a suitable color or carefully paint over the holes if they are not noticeable.