Changing the kitchen layout or simply a desire to update the interior, owners of household appliances often face the need to change the direction of door opening. Refrigerators Stinol, popular due to their reliability and maintainability, allow you to perform this procedure yourself. You won't have to call a professional if you have basic tool skills and an eye for detail.
Before you begin, it is important to understand that the process may vary depending on the specific model of your unit. Some versions two-chamber refrigerators have hidden fastening elements that require a special approach. A careful study of the design before disassembling will protect you from damage to the enamel or breakage of plastic fasteners.
In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions for most models of this brand. You will learn what tools you will need, how to properly dismantle old hinges and install new ones. Compliance with the sequence of operations ensures that your refrigerator will work correctly and the doors will close hermetically.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. This is a basic safety rule that cannot be ignored even when working with mechanical components.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
To successfully reinstall doors, you will need a minimum set of tools that any man can find in his home. The main tool will be hex wrenchusually included in the delivery kit, or a set of keys of different sizes. You also cannot do without a flat-head and Phillips screwdriver for removing decorative plugs and handles.
In addition to the main tool, prepare a container for folding fasteners. Bolts, screws and washers tend to get lost at the most inopportune moments, so it's best to keep them in one place. It is recommended to use a magnetic tray or a small box with a divider.
Organize the free space around the refrigerator. You will need to move the appliance far enough away from the wall to have access to the side walls on all sides. It is advisable to cover the floor with a soft cloth or cardboard so as not to scratch the floor covering when moving a heavy unit.
- 🔧 Set of screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead)
- 🔑 Hex keys (usually 4-6 mm)
- 🧤 Work gloves for protection hands
- 📦 Container for storing small parts
Make sure you have an assistant. The refrigerator door, especially the bottom door, can be heavy and difficult to hold with one hand while unscrewing the hinges. Having a second person will greatly simplify the task and reduce the risk of dropping a structural element.
Dismantling the upper door and preparing for rehanging
The process begins with the upper chamber, since it is structurally supported by the lower part of the body or has independent fastenings. First you need to remove the top panel, if there is one, and find the attachment points for the top hinge. In models Stinol these places are often closed with decorative plugs, which are carefully pryed off with a knife or thin screwdriver.
After removing the plugs, you will see the mounting bolts. Don't rush to unscrew them completely right away. Loosen the fastenings, but leave the loop secured so that it does not fall. Then ask an assistant to hold the door while you finally unscrew the screws and remove the top hinge along with the door.
The door should be carefully placed on a prepared soft surface, face up. This will prevent scratches and chips on the enamel. Now inspect the place where the handle is attached. If the model allows, the handle must also be moved to the opposite side by unscrewing the fixing screws from the reverse side.
- 🚪 Remove the decorative plugs from the hinges
- 🔩 Loosen, but do not remove the bolts completely
- 🤲 Hold the door during the final removal
- 🛡️ Place the door on a soft surface
It is important not to lose washers and gaskets that may be located under the bolt heads. They provide the correct clearance and smooth running. If the refrigerator came with special plugs for holes that will become visible after rearrangement, find them now.
Working with the bottom door and cooling system
The bottom door in refrigerators Stinol often has its own characteristics associated with the system No Frost or channel cold air supply. When removing the bottom door, be extremely careful not to damage any ductwork that may run through or near the hinge.
First remove the bottom panel of the refrigerator if it is blocking access to the fasteners. Then, similar to the top door, release the bottom hinge fasteners. Some models require you to first remove the middle crossbar separating the chambers. To do this, the side screws are unscrewed and the strip is carefully removed.
⚠️ Attention: If you see wires going to the door (for example, for a door open indicator or display), do not pull them. Carefully disconnect the connector, having previously photographed the position of the contacts.
After removing the door, inspect the rubber seal. It should not have any creases or damage. If, when rehanging, you find that the elastic band has become deformed, you can warm it up with a hairdryer or boiling water to restore its elasticity. This is an important point for maintaining the tightness of the chamber.
What to do if the bolts are rusty?
If the mounting bolts are stuck and cannot be unscrewed, do not use excessive force so as not to strip the threads. Treat them with a penetrating lubricant (such as WD-40) and leave for 15-20 minutes. After this, try carefully turning it again with the key.
Rearranging fasteners and hinges
The most critical stage is the physical rearrangement of the hinges to the opposite side. There are symmetrical holes on the body of the refrigerator and on the doors themselves. Those holes that were used previously must be closed with plugs, and hinges must be screwed into new ones.
Take the removed hinges and rearrange the bushings or pins if the design requires it. Some models Stinol use universal hinges that are simply screwed on the other side. Make sure you use the correct bolts for each side, as their length may vary.
Close the resulting empty holes in the original mounting location with decorative plugs. They usually come with the refrigerator or are located in the technical compartment. If the plugs are lost, you can order them separately or use analogs that match the color to maintain an aesthetic appearance.
| Element | Removal action | Installation action | Important note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper hinge | Remove from the door | Install on the new side | Watch the orientation of the pin |
| Bottom hinge | Remove from the floor | Rearrange the axle | Check the installation level |
| Door handle | Unscrew the screws | Screw it on the other side | Do not pull the plastic |
| Plugs | Remove from new holes | Insert into old holes | Store in a box |
When tightening the bolts, do not use excessive force. The metal of the case may be thin and there is a risk of stripping the threads. Tighten the elements tightly, but without fanaticism, using moderate hand force.
☑️ Ready to rehang
Installing the doors to a new location and adjusting
After all the hinges have been rearranged, you can begin hanging the doors. Start with the bottom door, placing it on the bottom hinge. Have a helper hold the structure while you secure the top. Then install the middle partition (if it was removed) and hang the top door.
The key point is the correct one adjusting the gaps. The door should fit tightly around the entire perimeter of the body. If you notice a misalignment, use the adjusting screws on the hinges (if provided by the model) or pads under the bottom hinge to change the height.
Check the operation of the magnetic lock. The door should itself be attracted to the body when approaching a distance of 2-3 cm. If this does not happen, the hinges may be tightened too loosely or, conversely, skewed. Loosen the fastenings and try to reposition the door.
- 🔍 Check the tight fit around the entire perimeter
- 🚪 Make sure it is easy to open and close
- ⚖️ Check the horizontal installation of the refrigerator itself
- 🔊 Listen to the absence of squeaks when moving
Don't forget to install the handle on the new side. To do this, there must be threaded holes on the back of the door, closed with plugs. Move the plugs to the free space to maintain symmetry.
⚠️ Attention: The design of the hinges and the location of the holes may vary slightly depending on the year of manufacture of the model. If you are not sure of your actions, check the official instructions for your specific modification Stinol.
Final check and startup of the refrigerator
When all mechanical work is completed, conduct a visual inspection. Make sure that all tools are put away and that unnecessary parts are not lying around inside the cameras. Check that all decorative plugs are installed in their places and nothing protrudes beyond the body.
Plug in the refrigerator. Let it idle for 2-3 hours to make sure the compressor is working properly and there are no leaking problems. During this time, the working temperature should be established inside the chambers During the work, listen to the sounds. A creaking or knocking noise may indicate that the door is hitting the frame or floor when opening. In this case, you will need to readjust the height of the refrigerator legs or the position of the hinges..
As you work, listen to the sounds. A creaking or knocking noise may indicate that the door is hitting the frame or floor when opening. In this case, you will need to readjust the height of the refrigerator legs or the position of the hinges.
If everything went well, you can load the products. A properly hung door is not only convenient, but also extends the life of the equipment by ensuring proper distribution of the load on the hinges.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it necessary defrost the refrigerator before rehanging?
Yes, this is a prerequisite. There should be no food or ice inside to reduce the weight of the structure and to avoid water leakage when tilting or removing the doors. In addition, empty chambers are easier to wash and dry before installation.
Is it possible to lose the warranty if you re-hang them yourself?
In most cases, the manufacturer (Stinol) allows the user to independently change the opening side, as this is provided for by the design. However, if parts are damaged during the process (threads are broken, glass is broken), the warranty claim may be void. Proceed carefully.
What to do if the door does not close tightly after installation?
Most likely, the installation geometry is broken. Check if the refrigerator is on a level floor. If the floor is level, loosen the top hinge, press the door firmly against the frame, and retighten the bolts. Also check if anything inside is in the way (shelf, packaging).
Where to put the old holes from the hinges?
Plastic plugs in the color of the body are always included with the refrigerator. They need to close the holes on the side where you hung the door. If the plugs are lost, you can order them at the service center or select universal analogues.
Do you need to wait after turning it on if you just changed the hinges?
Yes, after any movement or tilt of the refrigerator (even a small one when removing the doors), it is recommended to let it stand in a vertical position for 2-4 hours before turning it on. This is necessary for the oil to drain into the compressor.