Changing the layout of the kitchen or buying new furniture often dictates the conditions for the location of household appliances. Unit owners Stinol often face the need to move door panels to the opposite side. This is a standard procedure provided for by the design of most brand models, but it requires care and adherence to the sequence of actions. Improper dismantling can lead to damage to the plastic fasteners or loss of tightness.
Before starting work, you must clear the space around the unit and prepare the tools. It is important to understand that re-hanging is not just rearranging the hinges, but a comprehensive job of moving the entire opening mechanism, including handles and stops. In this article, we will analyze the process in detail so that you can complete the task efficiently and safely for the device.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
To successfully complete the task, you will need a minimum set of tools, which are usually found in every home. The main tool will be a hex wrench (often included) or a Phillips screwdriver, depending on the type of screws in your modification. It is also recommended to prepare a flat-head screwdriver for prying up the plugs and a soft cloth so as not to scratch the case during operation.
Pay special attention to preparing the site. Refrigerator doors Stinol can be heavy, especially if they are equipped with a No Frost system or have glass shelves. It is best to do the work with an assistant who can hold the structure while unscrewing the fasteners. This will reduce the risk of a heavy sash falling and damaging the flooring.
- 🔧 Hex keys (usually 4 mm or 5 mm) or a set of screwdrivers.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal edges.
- 🧶 Soft rags for protection of the case and floor.
- 📏 Level (optional) for checking the horizon after installation.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. This will prevent the compressor from accidentally turning on and will protect you from electric shock when working with metal elements.
Make sure that you have enough space to store the removed parts. Small screws and plugs are easily lost, so prepare a container to store them in advance. If you live in an apartment building, try not to create noise by drilling or knocking metal in the evening, although the main process is quite quiet.
Dismantling the upper part and removing the upper door
The process starts with the upper chamber, since it usually has less weight and is easier to dismantle. First you need to remove the decorative plugs from the top panel and top hinge. They can be attached with latches or held in place due to a tight fit. Carefully pry them off with a flat screwdriver wrapped in a cloth so as not to leave marks on the plastic.
After removing the plugs, access to the top hinge mounting bolts will open. Important: do not unscrew them completely right away. Loosen the fastener, but leave the threads engaged so that the loop does not become loose. Now have a helper hold the door firmly while you finally remove the screws. You cannot remove the load suddenly - the top leaf may fall.
Put the removed door in a safe place, placing it on prepared cloth or cardboard. Do not place it vertically without support as it may tip over. At this stage, it is also worth inspecting the sealing rubber for damage that could be hidden by the hinge.
☑️ Action plan for dismantling
If your refrigerator is equipped with a display or control panel on the door, the steps will be different. On models Stinol with electronics, you must first locate the wiring harness connector. It is usually located on the top of the housing or inside the hinge channel. Carefully disconnect the connector by pulling the plastic housing of the connector, and not the wires themselves.
Working with the lower door and central hinges
After the upper part is dismantled, we move on to the main, lower door. It is attached to the middle hinge, which is often a common axis for both compartments. The procedure is similar: remove the decorative elements, loosen the fasteners and, holding the massive door, unscrew the bolts.
Pay special attention to the hinge pin. In some models Stinol it may “stick” or rust. If the loop does not come off, do not use excessive force. You can lightly tap it with a hammer handle through a wooden spacer or use penetrating lubricant if the design allows.
| Element | Mounting type | Tool | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top hinge | Hex screws | 4-5 mm key | Requires door support |
| Middle hinge | Bolts + pin | Key + pliers | Often has a stopper |
| Lower stop | Busket/screw | Screwdriver | Adjusts obstruction |
| Handles | Hidden screws | Hexagon | Removed first |
After removing the bottom door, it is necessary to dismantle the middle hinge completely. Sometimes it is necessary to remove the lower support sleeve if the design requires its relocation to the other side. Wipe all removed metal elements from dust and old grease before reinstalling.
⚠️ Attention: When removing a heavy bottom door, the load on your back is very high. Use proper lifting technique: bend your knees, not your back, or call a second assistant.
What to do if a bolt is rusty?
If the fastener does not budge, apply WD-40 or a similar product to the threads. Leave for 10-15 minutes to penetrate. Do not try to rip off a rusty bolt with a jerk - it is better to carefully loosen it with a wrench in both directions, gradually increasing the amplitude. If the cap is licked off, use an extractor or carefully drill out the center, but this is a last resort.
Moving handles and opening limiters
The most time-consuming part of the process is rearranging the handles. In refrigerators Stinol they are often attached in a hidden way. On the inside of the door there are holes closed with plastic plugs. By removing them, you will gain access to the screws holding the handle.
Unscrew the fasteners and remove the handles. There will be holes in the vacated places. To hide them and prevent moisture from getting inside the case, use the supplied plugs, which should be placed in a technical niche (usually at the top or bottom of the refrigerator). If there are no plugs, they can be ordered separately or carefully sealed with decorative stickers to match.
- 🔍 Find the technological holes for the plugs on the case.
- 🔩 Rearrange the handles to new places using the same screws.
- 🛑 Don't forget to rearrange stopper-limiter, if your model has one.
Also check for the presence of a door opening stopper. This is a plastic or metal pin that prevents the door from swinging too wide and hitting the wall or furniture. It must be moved to the corresponding hole on the opposite side. Often, to do this, you just need to pull it out with pliers and insert it into a new socket.
Assembling the structure on the new side
Now that all the elements are prepared, reassembly begins. Install the lower support sleeve (if it is being transferred) and the middle hinge in their new locations. Secure them with bolts, but do not tighten them all the way yet, so that you can adjust the position.
Install the bottom door onto the bottom hinge. This requires precision: you need to hit the hinge pins with the holes in the door. After installing the door, check the vertical position. If everything is smooth, you can tighten the middle hinge fasteners. Then install the top hinge and hang the top door.
The final stage is to tighten all the bolts. Use torque wrench or just act carefully so as not to overtighten the threads in the plastic case. Tightening sequence: bottom to top. First the lower fastenings, then the middle ones and finally the upper ones.
⚠️ Attention: The design of refrigerators Stinol may have specific gaps. If after assembly you notice that the door is skewed, loosen the fasteners of the middle hinge and adjust the position by placing a thin washer on the desired side.
Adjusting the position and checking the tightness
After installation, you need to check how the doors close. They must fit against the body around the entire perimeter without gaps. If you notice a loose fit in one of the corners, the height of the refrigerator legs may need to be adjusted. By twisting the front supports, you can change the slope of the entire body, which will help the doors close more tightly under their own weight.
Check the operation of the magnetic seal. Run your hand along the perimeter - there should be no noticeable bumps or dips. You can also do a test with a sheet of paper: clamp the sheet between the door and the body at different points. It should be removed with the same force around the entire perimeter.
If your model has a self-leveling hinge system, let the refrigerator stand in an upright position for 3-4 hours before turning it on. This is necessary so that the oil in the compressor system flows into the crankcase if the unit is tilted strongly during operation.
What to do if the door does not close completely?
Check whether anything is interfering with the seal (food on shelves, dishes). Make sure the refrigerator is vertical. If the misalignment is caused by a broken hinge, the part may need to be replaced. Also check whether the opening stop is installed correctly.
Is it necessary to change the sealing rubber when rehanging?
Usually no. Modern seals Stinol are symmetrical and retain their properties after rearrangement. You only need to change the rubber if it is cracked, has lost its elasticity or has visible damage.
Is it possible to hang the door alone?
Theoretically, it is possible if you use pads under the doors when removing the hinges. However, this is risky and inconvenient. It is strongly recommended that two people work together to avoid the heavy door falling and injury.
Where to put the old handle holes?
Plastic plugs are always included with the refrigerator. They are usually located in the document compartment or in the technical niche on top. If you lost them, the holes can be closed with decorative stickers or plugs purchased at a furniture store.
Why did a creaking appear after rehanging?
A creaking can occur due to metal-on-metal friction in the hinges. Lubricate the rubbing parts with silicone grease. Also check whether the door touches the body or shelves when opening.