The need to change the direction of opening the refrigerator door arises quite often, especially when moving to a new apartment or after remodeling the kitchen. The situation when a door rests against a wall or impedes passage is familiar to many owners of household appliances. Fortunately, the design of most modern models allows you to do it re-hanging the door on your own, without resorting to the services of paid craftsmen. This saves time and budget, and also gives confidence in the quality of the work performed.
The repositioning process does not require deep engineering knowledge, but it critically depends on the accuracy of the actions and adherence to the sequence. It is important to understandthat different manufacturers - be it LG, Samsung, Bosch or Atlant —there may be specific design features for fastening the hinges. In some cases, it is enough to rearrange the fittings, in others you will need to dismantle the handle or weld the holes. Before starting work, be sure to make sure that your unit supports this option, since in some budget models the hinges are welded at the factory.
In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions, the necessary tools and specific nuances for various types of refrigerators. You will learn how to properly organize your workspace so as not to damage the floor and equipment, as well as how to avoid common mistakes that lead to skewing of the canvas. Proper preparation is the key to successful completion of the operation and long service life of the device.
Preparation of the workplace and the necessary tools
Before starting disassembly, it is necessary to ensure safe working conditions. A refrigerator is a heavy and bulky object, so the space around it must be free. Optimal distance from the wall to the equipment should be at least one meter on all sides so that you can freely walk around the unit. If there is no soft covering on the floor, it is strongly recommended to lay thick cardboard or an old blanket to protect the floor covering from scratches and chips if parts accidentally fall.
To perform the work you will need a standard home handyman's kit. The main tool will be screwdriver or a set of screwdrivers with different slots (phillips and flat). Some models, especially those made in Europe, may require hex wrench (often included with the refrigerator) or a ratchet wrench with a set of sockets. Also, pliers for removing plugs and a knife with a thin blade will not be superfluous.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply! Removing the plug from the socket is the first action that will protect you from electric shock and prevent accidental starting of the compressor while manipulating the wiring.
In addition to tools, prepare a container for folding fasteners. Screws, bolts and washers tend to get lost in the pile of carpets or roll under the baseboard. It is best to use a magnetic tray or several small jars labeled with a marker in accordance with the disassembly stage. This will save time during assembly and eliminate the situation when one small screw is missing.
Algorithm for dismantling the door and hinges
The process of removing the door begins from the top of the structure. First you need to remove the top decorative panel, if present. It is usually secured with latches or hidden screws. Carefully pry off the panel with a knife or flathead screwdriver, being careful not to damage the plastic. Underneath you will find the top hinge mounting bolts. They need to be unscrewed, but do not remove them completely yet if the design requires support from the leaf.
Next comes the most crucial moment - removing the door leaf itself. Since the weight of the door can reach 15-20 kilograms, performing this operation alone is risky. Ask someone to help You need to hold the door while you unscrew the fasteners. If you don't have a helper, use blocks under the bottom of the door to prevent it from falling abruptly to the floor after removing the axle. A sharp blow can damage the lower seal or deform the metal.
After removing the top panel, similar actions are performed with the bottom door (if the refrigerator has a two-chamber) and middle hinges. It is important to remember the orientation of each part. Some hinges are asymmetrical, and if installed upside down, the door will not fit into place. Take a photograph of the location of all elements before final removal - this will help restore the picture when assembling on the new side.
☑️ Checklist for preparing for dismantling
The dismantling of handles requires special attention. In modern models, they are often attached in a hidden way or require disassembling the inside of the door. If the handle does not come off after removing the visible screws, you may need to remove the interior door panel. Be careful with plastic latches - they become brittle at low temperatures, so let the equipment warm up to room temperature before starting work.
Rearranging fittings and holes
After successful dismantling of all elements, the stage of transferring them to the opposite side begins. The design of the refrigerator provides symmetrical openings on both sides of the body. Those holes that were used will be closed with decorative plugs after rearranging the hinges. These plugs are usually located on the free side or in the documentation kit.
If your model is provided removable handles, they also need to be rearranged. This may require removing the inner door trim. Be careful with the insulating material inside the door - it may be fragile. When transferring fasteners, make sure you use the correct holes for the new side. Sometimes the holes have different diameters or thread pitches.
⚠️ Attention: Never drill new holes in the refrigerator body yourself! This will break the tightness of the thermal insulation circuit, lead to moisture getting inside and corrosion, and will also void the manufacturer’s warranty. Use only standard factory holes.
A special case is represented by models where the hinges are not symmetrical or require replacement of the fastening unit itself. In such cases, the kit may include additional adapters or extended bolts. Carefully study the instructions for your model Indesit or Bekoas these brands often have specific mounting solutions that differ from the standard ones.
What to do if decorative plugs are lost?
If the factory plugs are lost, do not leave the holes open. Through them, dust, moisture and insects will enter the housing. Temporarily, you can use pieces of plastic pipe of a suitable diameter, painted in the color of the body, or order a set of plugs from the service center. The main thing is to ensure the tightness of the thermal insulation layer.
The specifics of hanging for different brands
The approach to door design may vary significantly among different manufacturers. For example, in refrigerators Samsung i LG hidden installation of hinges is often found, where the fasteners are hidden under decorative overlays of complex shape. At the same time, the classic models Atlant or Saratov design is simpler and more understandable, but requires care in adjusting the gaps.
Below is a table showing the features of popular brands so that you can navigate the nuances:
| Brand | Mounting feature | Required tool | Complexity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung | Hidden hinges, panel removal is often required controls | Hexagon, flat screwdriver | Medium |
| LG | Modular system, rearrangement possible without removing doors | Ratchet key, Phillips screwdriver | Low |
| Bosch | Tight spring mechanisms, you need to be careful | Set of heads, pliers | High |
| Atlant | Classic design, accessible fasteners | Phillips screwdriver, 10 mm wrench | Low |
In models with a display on the door (for example, Side-by-Side), the situation is complicated by the presence of electrical wires. When rehanging such a door, you must carefully disconnect the connectors of the cables. Do not pull the wires —snap the connector latches. An error here may lead to failure of the control or display system.
For refrigerators with the system No Frost it is important not to damage the air supply ducts that may pass through or adjacent to the hinges. When assembling, make sure that the wires are not pinched by the hinge mechanism, otherwise, when opening the door, the insulation may be damaged, resulting in a short circuit.
Assembling the structure and final adjustment
Assembly is carried out in the reverse order of dismantling. The lower elements are installed first, then the middle ones, and finally the top hinge. When installing the door leaf on the axle, it is important to get into the grooves the first time so as not to break the threads. If the door “walks” or is warped, do not use excessive force - check that the lower support pin is installed correctly.
The key point is adjusting the gaps. The door should fit tightly around the entire perimeter of the body. If you notice that there is more clearance in one corner than the other, this can be corrected using the adjusting screws on the hinges (usually located on the front). By turning the screw clockwise, you can raise the corner, and vice versa.
After installation, check the operation of the magnetic seal. Take a sheet of paper, clamp it with the door and try to pull it out. The force should be the same around the entire perimeter. If in some place the paper comes out too easily, it means that the seal is broken there, and additional adjustment of the hinge or replacement of the seal will be required.
⚠️ Attention: Do not plug in the refrigerator immediately after rearranging! Allow the compressor oil to settle in the crankcase for 2-4 hours, especially if the unit was tilted strongly during work. Switching on “hot” or immediately after tilting can lead to water hammer and failure of the compressor.
Possible problems and ways to eliminate them
Even with careful operation, unexpected difficulties may arise. One of the common problems is door sagging after installation. This often happens if the lower support was not fully installed or if the pin is worn out. This can be solved by repeated disassembly and a tighter fit of the supporting element, sometimes using a fixing sealant.
Another common problem is that the door does not stay closed and opens on its own. This may be due to the incorrect angle of the entire refrigerator. In modern units, the legs are adjusted so that the body is slightly tilted back. This ensures natural closing under the influence of gravity. Adjust the front legs by unscrewing them to the desired level.
If you encounter a situation where the holes on the new side do not line up with the fasteners (which happens when using aftermarket parts or on very old models), do not try to “fit” them by force. In 99% of cases, this means that you have mixed up the left and right hinges or are using parts from a different model. Double-check the markings of the parts.
Is it possible to hang a door if there is a display on it?
Yes, this is possible, but it requires increased caution. It is necessary to carefully disconnect the electrical connectors before removing the door. It is important to remember or photograph the wiring diagram so that when assembling on the new side you do not mix up the contacts. The length of the cable must allow transfer; if the wire is short, it may need to be extended, which is best left to a professional.
What to do if, after rehanging, there is a large gap at the top?
Most likely, the top loop is installed incorrectly or is not fully tightened. Also check to see if the left and right versions of the loop are mixed up (if they are different). In some cases, it is necessary to adjust the height of the legs of the refrigerator in order to level the position of the entire body relative to the floor.
Is it necessary to change the seal when rehanging?
No, you do not need to change the standard seal if it is not damaged. The rubber is elastic and adapts to a new position. However, if the seal is deformed or cracked, it is better to replace it at the same time as relocating the door to ensure maximum energy efficiency.
Why does a refrigerator door open by itself?
This is a sign that the angle of the cabinet is incorrect. The refrigerator should stand strictly horizontal in width, but with a slight tilt back in depth. If the front legs are turned too high or the back ones too low, the center of gravity shifts and the door opens. Adjust the support screws.