The situation when, after buying a new refrigerator or moving to a new apartment, it turns out that door opening direction does not fit into the kitchen layout is familiar to many. This can block access to cabinets, obstruct circulation, or simply look unsightly in a narrow space. Fortunately, most modern models of refrigeration units, such as LG, Beko, Indesit or Atlantprovide the possibility door reverse from the manufacturer.
The re-hanging process requires care and adherence to the sequence of actions, since careless handling of hinges or fittings can lead to skew of the canvas and disruption of the seal of the chamber. Before starting work, you need to make sure that your unit actually supports this function, since some budget or specific models have a fixed housing design. If you are ready to act on your own, be patient and have a basic set of tools.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to unplug the refrigerator from the power supply. Working with live electrical appliances is prohibited by safety rules.
To complete the task, you will need a standard home handyman's kit. Usually it is enough to have a Phillips and flat-head screwdriver on hand, as well as a wrench, the size of which depends on the model of equipment. In some cases, for example, when working with heavy two-chamber models Bosch or Siemensthe help of a second person may be required to hold the door leaf.
Preparation of the workplace and tools
Quality preparation is the key to successful completion of the repair. First, clear out the space around the refrigerator to ensure easy access from all sides. Remove food from the chambers, especially from the top shelves, to reduce the overall weight of the structure and prevent the contents from falling when the unit is tilted.
It is important to prepare a flat surface next to the equipment where you can temporarily place the removed door, covering it with a soft material, such as a blanket or thick cardboard. This will protect the decorative coating and glass from scratches. Also check that you have all the necessary toolsso as not to interrupt the process of searching for the missing part.
☑️ Tools for hanging the door
Pay special attention to the study instructions included with your model Samsung or Haier. It may indicate specific fastening nuances hingesthat are not obvious at first glance. If the documentation is lost, look for its electronic version using the exact model name on the manufacturer's website.
Removing the top panel and top hinge
The re-hanging process almost always begins with removing the top cover of the refrigerator, if it is structurally provided for by the model. In most cases, it is secured with latches or small screws hidden under decorative plugs. Carefully pry up the plugs with a flat-head screwdriver and unscrew the fasteners.
After removing the cover, access to the top hinge will open. It is important to avoid a common mistake here: you cannot simply unscrew the hinge bolts while the door is suspended, as it may fall and damage the floor or cause a dent. Some models Whirlpool or Candy have special fixing pins that need to be removed first.
| Type of fastening | Required tools | Dismantling features |
|---|---|---|
| Screw connection | Phillips screwdriver | You need to hold the door |
| Pin connection | Pliers | You need to knock out the pin up |
| Hidden bolts | Wrench | Access through the decorative panel |
When access to the hinge is gained, carefully unscrew the mounting bolts. If the design provides for electrical connector a lamp or display on the door, it must be disconnected. Do this smoothly, without jerking, so as not to damage the contacts or wiring.
Removing the door leaf
After releasing the top hinge, the most crucial moment comes - removing the door. Since the weight of the canvas can reach 15-20 kilograms, it is highly recommended to perform this step with an assistant. One person must hold the door securely, while the second finally unscrews the fasteners.
The removed door should be immediately placed on a prepared soft surface with the outer side facing up. This will prevent scratches on the glossy finish or chips on the glass shelves if they are installed in the door. Carefully inspect the place where the bottom hinge is attached to the door leaf itself: often there are plugs for holes that will need to be rearranged.
⚠️ Attention: Do not leave the removed door standing vertically against the wall without support - it can easily tip over from a draft or accidental contact.
At this stage you can carry out revision sealing rubber. If it is dirty, wipe it with a soft cloth and soapy water. Check the integrity of the magnetic tape around the perimeter, since a good fit is critical for the energy efficiency of refrigerators Electrolux and other brands.
Rearranging fittings and plugs
The central stage of the work is to transfer the fastening elements to the opposite side. There will be holes on the free side of the case and door that need to be closed with decorative plugs. Usually they come with the refrigerator or are already installed on the back side, waiting in the wings.
Using a flat-head screwdriver, carefully remove the plugs from the new side of the mount (where the hinge will be transferred) and install them in the old holes. Do not use excessive force to avoid breaking the plastic clips. Models Atlant are characterized by the use of rubber plugs, which are simply inserted into the holes with your fingers.
What to do if the plug is lost?
If the decorative plug is lost, the hole can be carefully sealed with a piece of plastic in the color of the case or use a heat-shrinkable tube of a suitable diameter, selected according blossom. This will prevent moisture and dust from getting inside the case.
Now you need to rearrange the handle if the design of your model Liebherr or Gorenje provides for this. Handles can be attached to screws on the inside of the door or have a through-mounting. Moving the handle is often the most difficult step due to the need for precise positioning.
Installing the bottom hinge and hanging the door
Before installing the door, you must remove the bottom hinge on one side and move it to the other. In some refrigerator models, the lower support can be height-adjustable, which allows you to compensate for uneven floors. Remember or fix the current position of the adjusting screw.
Install the lower hinge to the new location, but do not tighten the bolts “all the way” yet. Leave a little play so that you can adjust the position of the door when hanging it. This is especially true for heavy two-door models, where the slightest distortion will lead to problems with closing.
Together with an assistant, carefully lift the door leaf and put it on the lower hinge. Make sure the axle fits correctly into the mounting hole. Only after this can you begin installing the upper loop in a new place, having first threaded the wires (if any) through the provided channels.
Adjustment and final check
After installing all the elements in place, it is necessary to carry out a thorough adjustment. Close the refrigerator and visually assess the gaps between the door and the body. They should be uniform along the entire length. If you notice a misalignment, slightly loosen the bolts of the upper or lower hinge and align the position of the blade.
Check the operation of the magnetic lock and the tightness of the seal. To do this, you can use a simple test with a sheet of paper: clamp the sheet between the door and the body at different points around the perimeter. If the sheet is pulled out with noticeable force, then the seal is ensured. If the paper falls out freely, additional adjustment is required.
Plug in the refrigerator and listen to the operation of the compressor. Make sure that when closing the door there is no spontaneous opening due to the incorrect angle of inclination of the entire unit. If necessary, adjust the front support legs of the refrigerator.
⚠️ Attention: If after hanging the door does not close tightly, check whether the wires inside the case are twisted (if the model has a display). This is a common cause of loose closure.
Common mistakes and troubleshooting
When doing work on their own, beginners often make mistakes that can negate all efforts. One of the most common is the loss of small parts. It is better to immediately put bolts, washers and plugs in a separate container rather than leave them spread out on the floor.
Another mistake is excessive force when tightening the bolts. Aluminum threaded connections in the refrigerator body Zanussi or Stinol are easy to break if you overdo it. Use moderate force and, if possible, a torque tool.
If after all the manipulations the door creaks or moves stiffly, check whether it touches the protruding parts of the body or shelf. Sometimes it is necessary to slightly adjust the position of the internal shelves or rearrange the drawers in the freezer.
Questions and answers (FAQ)
Is it possible to hang the door on a refrigerator with a built-in display?
Yes, you can, but it requires more caution. You will have to disconnect the electrical connectors of the wires going to the display. It is important to remember the disconnection order and carefully pull the wires through special channels in the housing when moving to the other side. The length of the wires usually allows for transfer.
What to do if the holes on the new side do not match the fasteners?
In 99% of cases, the holes are already provided by the manufacturer and are closed with plugs. If you do not see any holes, carefully examine the instructions: your model may require the removal of an additional internal panel or the use of a special template from the kit. It is strictly not recommended to drill new holes yourself. Nord or Don you need to remove the additional inner panel or use a special template from the kit. Drilling new holes yourself is strictly not recommended.
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging it?
Complete defrosting is not necessary if you work quickly. However, if there is a lot of ice in the freezer and you plan to tilt the unit, it is better to wait until it defrosts to prevent water from getting on electrical components or the floor. In a vertical position without tilting, you can work with a running refrigerator, but it is better to turn it off.
Will the warranty still apply if I re-hang the door myself?
Re-hanging the door yourself, as a rule, is not a basis for voiding the warranty if you have not damaged the body, broken the threads or broken the hinges. However, if a breakdown occurs during the process due to your intervention, the service center may refuse free repairs. Keep all removed parts.