Changing the opening side of the door of a refrigeration unit is not just a whim of design, but often a necessary measure to optimize the kitchen space. Owners of appliances Indesit are faced with the need to remodel the kitchen when the standard arrangement of handles or hinges becomes inconvenient due to new furniture or layout features. Fortunately, the design of most modern models of the Italian brand initially provides for this possibility, which makes the process quite accessible for independent execution without calling a specialist.
Before taking active steps, you must be clearly aware that hanging doors requires accuracy and adherence to a certain sequence. Careless handling of the seal or incorrect adjustment can lead to a loose fit of the sash, which will cause the formation of ice and increased energy consumption. In this article we will analyze in detail all stages of work, from preparing tools to final adjustment of the gaps, so that your Indesit serves for a long time and efficiently.
It is worth noting that the procedure may differ slightly depending on the specific series of the refrigerator, be it a classic two-chamber model or a more modern version with system No Frost. However, the basic principle remains the same: dismantling fasteners on one side and installing them on the opposite side. The main thing is to take your time and keep all the removed parts in a safe place so as not to lose a single screw or decorative plug during the work.
⚠️ 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 with metal tools in close proximity to electrical components and wiring.
Required Tools and Workplace Preparation
Quality preparation is half the success of any repair operation. To hang the doors on the refrigerator Indesit you don’t need a complex professional tool, but having everything you need at hand will significantly speed up the process and prevent wasted time searching. The main tool will be hex wrench or a set of screwdrivers, since they are the ones used to fix the hinges.
It would also be a good idea to prepare a container for folding small parts so that screws and plugs do not roll out on the floor. Some models may have tight bolts, so using a penetrating lubricant (such as WD-40) is a smart move if the equipment has been in use for a long time. Do not forget about protecting the floor covering, since it is better to remove heavy doors by placing soft rags or cardboard under them.
Here is a list of what you will need to complete the task:
- 🔧 A set of screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead) or a screwdriver with the appropriate bits.
- 🔑 Hex keys (usually sizes 4, 5 or 6 mm, depending on the model).
- 🧴 Penetrating lubricant for treating soured threaded connections.
- 🧼 Clean rags for wiping hinges and removing old grease.
- 📦 A small container (container or magnetic tray) for storing fasteners.
Organize your workspace so that you have easy access to the refrigerator from all sides. This is especially important when moving heavy door panels, when the assistance of a second person or the use of a stable support is required. Make sure that the lighting in the room is sufficient to distinguish small fastener parts and the condition of sealing rubber. Refrigerator doors can be quite heavy, especially if they are equipped with a system and have metal decor. Do not try to hold the removed door with one hand while unscrewing the hinges - this may lead to injury or damage to the covering. sealing rubber.
⚠️ Attention: Refrigerator doors Indesit can be quite heavy, especially if they are equipped with a No Frost and have metal decor. Do not try to hold the removed door with one hand while unscrewing the hinges - this may result in injury or damage to the covering.
If you are working alone, plan in advance where you will put the removed door. The ideal option is the help of a second person who can hold the structure while unscrewing the last bolt. Lack of reliable support is the most common cause of chips on the body or deformation of the hinges.
Design analysis and model compatibility
Before picking up the tools, you need to study the technical documentation or visual inspection of your model Indesit. Not all refrigerators have a universal design: in some budget or older models, holes for hinges may only be on one side, but absent on the other or covered with solid plastic. In such cases rehanging the doors is technically impossible without complex modifications to the body, which is not recommended.
Pay attention to the location of the handle. If it is integrated into the body or is part of the door leaf, it will also have to be dismantled and reinstalled. In models with hidden handles (recesses), this step is skipped, which simplifies the task. It is also important to check the presence of an electronic display on the door: if there is one, you will need to carefully work with the wires going to the control unit.
To understand the type of your model, you can use the following table, which classifies popular series Indesit possibly overweight:
| Series / Model | Possibility of rehanging | Design features | Presence of display |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indesit DF / DFR | Yes (full) | Hidden hinges, standard fasteners | Often missing |
| Indesit NBS / NBA | Yes (full) | Requires removal of the base | Rarely |
| Indesit SB / ST | Yes (full) | Classic fastening scheme | No |
| Indesit Smart | Yes (with nuances) | Complex display wiring system | Often there |
It is important to understand that even if the model allows rearrangement, additional plugs may be required, which are sometimes lost during the initial installation. If you find that there are no mounting holes on the reverse side, further work cannot be carried out. In this case reversing the doors on the Indesit refrigerator is impossible without violating the integrity of the case, it is better to leave everything as is or contact a specialized service for consultation, although the chances of success there are minimal.
Dismantling the top hinge and removing the top door
The disassembly process always starts from the top of the refrigerator compartment. This is due to design logic: the upper door rests on the lower one, so it must be removed first. First, remove the decorative caps hiding the top hinge bolts. They can be made in the form of plastic circles or simply tight-fitting caps that are easily pryed off with a flat screwdriver.
After gaining access to the fasteners, use the appropriate wrench (most often a hexagon) to unscrew the bolts. Do not remove them completely at once - loosen them enough so that the hinge can be removed, but the door will still hold. If your model has electronics, carefully disconnect the wire connectors, first remembering or photographing their positions. Then completely unscrew the bolts and remove the metal hinge bar.
Now you can remove the door itself. Have a helper hold it so it doesn't fall. Lift the door up slightly to disengage it from the bottom hinge and place it in a safe place. Inspect the dismantled hinge: if there are traces of corrosion or old grease on it, clean it with a rag and, if necessary, apply new graphite grease.
☑️ Removing the upper part
Note the condition of the bottom hinge pin, which is now open. There should be no burrs or rust on it. If you find dirt, thoroughly wipe the mechanism. This will ensure the door moves smoothly after assembly. Also check the integrity of the seal around the perimeter of the removed door - now is the time to replace it if it is damaged while the door is disassembled.
Working with the bottom door and base
After removing the top panel, attention turns to the bottom, freezer compartment. The principle of operation is similar, but there are some peculiarities. In some models Indesit the lower hinge is hidden under a decorative base panel or a plastic cover at the base of the refrigerator. Remove this protection to get to the fasteners.
Unscrew the bolts securing the lower door to the central crossbar or body. Carefully remove the door, being careful not to damage the shelves inside if you did not remove them first. It is recommended that before starting work, empty the chambers of food and remove all removable elements - this will reduce the weight of the structure and the risk of falling glass shelves.
- 🔩 Unscrew the fasteners of the bottom hinge holding the freezer.
- 🚪 Remove the bottom door and set it aside along with the top.
- 🧹 Clean the ends of the refrigerator case from dust and old grease.
- 🔍 Check the integrity of the threaded holes on the opposite side.
Now you need to prepare the case for installing hinges on the other side. Find holes on the opposite end of the refrigerator that are closed with plastic plugs. Remove them carefully. If the holes are reserved (closed with plastic without threads), they need to be cleared. In some cases, it is necessary to move the pin of the lower support loop to the other side of the base of the refrigerator.
What to do if the pin does not unscrew?
If the lower support pin (pin) does not give in and turns, it may be stuck. Try gently warming it up with a hairdryer or using WD-40. Do not use excessive force with pliers to avoid stripping the threads in the refrigerator body. If the pin breaks inside, you will need to replace the entire fastening unit or drill out the remaining parts, which is best left to a professional.
It is important not to confuse the length of the bolts during reassembly. Often the top and bottom mounts have different thread lengths. Using a screw that is too long in a shallow hole may damage the internal circuit or insulation of the refrigerator. Carefully sort the fasteners as you dismantle them.
Installing hinges and installing doors on the new side
We begin assembly in the reverse order, but on the new side. The first step is to install the bottom support loop (or pin) for the freezer. Make sure it sits straight and fits snugly against the body. Then we hang the bottom door, getting the hole into the hinge. Temporarily holding the door, tighten the bolts of the lower hinge, but do not tighten them all the way - this will allow you to adjust the position later.
Next we move on to installing the upper door. Align the holes in the top door with the mating part on the cabinet. If the model is equipped with an intermediate jumper between the cameras, make sure that it is installed correctly. Insert the bolts of the upper hinge and just tighten them as well. Now that both doors are in place, you can begin the final adjustment.
After leveling the doors and checking the symmetry of the gaps along the entire perimeter, you can finally tighten all the fasteners. Work from the bottom bolts to the top, ensuring even distribution of the load. Check the ease of movement: the doors should open smoothly, without creaks, and close tightly with a slight push.
Rearranging the handle and final adjustment
The final stage is installing the handle. If in your model Indesit the handle is removable and requires rearrangement, find the attachment points on the new side. They are usually closed with plugs. Transfer the handle using the same screws as before. In some cases, screws of a different length may be required, which often come complete with plugs or are found in the technical documentation.
After installing the handle, check the operation of the magnetic lock (if any) and the tightness of the seal along the entire contour. The gaps between the door and the body should be the same at the top and bottom. If you notice a misalignment, loosen the hinge bolts and (slightly move) the position of the door, then tighten the fasteners again.
- 👐 Install the handle in a new place, closing the old holes with plugs.
- 🔍 Check the uniformity of the gaps around the entire perimeter of the door leaf.
- ❄️ Make sure that the door closes tightly and does not allow warm air to pass through.
- ⚡ Plug in the refrigerator and check the operation after 1-2 hours.
The final touch will be to install decorative plugs on the vacated holes on the previous side of the hinges. This will not only improve the aesthetic appearance, but also protect the insides from dust. Now you can load groceries and enjoy the updated arrangement of equipment in the kitchen.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to reverse the doors if the refrigerator has a display?
Yes, this is possible, but it requires more caution. You will have to carefully disconnect the wire harnesses going to the display before removing the door. When installed on a new side, the wires may require reconnection or extension if their standard length is not enough. In complex models Indesit with touch control, it is better to have a connection diagram.
What to do if the door does not close tightly after hanging?
Most likely, the problem is in the adjustment of the hinges or in the condition of the seal. Try loosening the hinges and re-aligning the door. Also check that the rubber seal does not jam when closing. If the seal is deformed, you can try to straighten it with a hairdryer (carefully!) or replace it with a new one.
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before hanging the doors?
Full defrosting is not necessary if you work quickly. However, if there is a lot of ice in the freezer, the door may become heavier and there is a risk of damaging the shelves. It is recommended to at least empty the chambers of food in order to lighten the design and prevent food spoilage during work.
Will the warranty remain valid after re-hanging the doors yourself?
According to the law, independent work that does not require breaking the seals on the compressor or complex disassembly of the unit should not void the warranty. However, if you damage the case, break the glass, or break the hinge in the process, the service center may refuse to repair those specific damages free of charge. Proceed carefully.