The situation when, after purchase or during repairs, it turns out that the refrigerator does not fit into the space allocated for it due to the direction of opening the door, is familiar to many owners of household appliances. Fortunately, most of the brand's models are Indesit designed with this possibility in mind, allowing the user to independently change the direction the door opens. This solution often allows you to avoid complex kitchen redevelopment or the purchase of new furniture, saving budget and nerves.
The rehanging process requires accuracy and a basic set of tools, but is not a very complex engineering task. The main thing is to understand the structure of the hinge unit and a sequence of actions so as not to damage decorative elements or the locking mechanism itself. In this article, we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions for various models, paying attention to the nuances of attaching handles and dismantling the facade.
Before starting work, it is important to make sure that you have free space around the unit and the necessary tools. Typically, a Phillips screwdriver, a flathead screwdriver for removing plugs, and, in some cases, a wrench or socket set are required to eliminate the risk of short circuits or damage to electronics if wires are accidentally pinched. It is critically important to disconnect the refrigerator from the electrical outlet before starting any manipulationsto eliminate the risk of short circuit or damage to electronics if wires are accidentally pinched.
⚠️ Attention: Do not try to carry out work on re-hanging the doors while the refrigerator is plugged in. Even if you work only with mechanical hinges, accidental damage to the wiring of temperature or lighting sensors can lead to serious consequences.
It is also worth considering that the design of refrigerators Indesit may vary slightly depending on the year of manufacture and series. Some modern models use hidden hinges or specific handle fastenings that require a special approach. Therefore, if you doubt your abilities, it is better to consult official documentation or call a specialist.
Preparation of tools and workplace
Quality preparation is half the success of any repair operation. To hang a door, you need not only physical space, but also the right set of tools. The absence of the required screwdriver or wrench can lead to the slots on the screws breaking off or the plastic plugs being damaged, which will make further assembly impossible without purchasing new parts.
It is recommended to prepare everything you need in advance and arrange the tools in the order in which they will be used. This will allow you not to be distracted by searching while working, when your hands may be busy holding a heavy door. It is also worth taking care of good lighting of the working area.
- 🛠️ A Phillips screwdriver (PH2) is the main tool for most hinge fastening screws.
- 🔧 8 mm wrench or socket - may be required for some hinge models.
- 🪛 Flat-head screwdriver or a thin knife - for carefully removing decorative plugs.
- 🧤 Work gloves - to avoid getting your hands dirty with oil and not getting hurt on the sharp edges of the metal.
Particular attention should be paid to the surface on which the refrigerator will stand. The floor must be level and the unit itself must be stable. If you plan to tilt the refrigerator to access the lower mounts, make sure that it will not go on a slippery surface.
In some cases, the help of a second person may be required, especially if we are talking about two-chamber models with massive doors. The refrigerator door is heavier than it looks, and dropping it on your foot or damaging the floor is not the best scenario for getting started. Safety Firstso don't hesitate to call someone for help for insurance.
⚠️ Attention: Make sure the floor under the refrigerator is dry and clean. Getting moisture on power tools or sliding the unit during operation can lead to injury.
Dismantling the top door and removing the handle
You should always start the rehanging process from the top door, regardless of whether you have a single-chamber refrigerator or a double-chamber one. This is due to a design feature: the top hinge is often a load-bearing hinge for the entire door structure, and its removal allows you to safely dismantle the facade. The first step is to remove the decorative elements that hide the fasteners.
On most models Indesit the handle can be integrated or overhead. If the handle is overhead, it often needs to be removed first. The mounting screws may be located under plastic plugs or be immediately accessible. Be careful with plastic - it can be fragile, especially if the refrigerator has been in use for a long time.
To remove the handle, follow these steps:
- 🔍 Find hidden screws: inspect the inside of the handle or the ends.
- 🔩 Unscrew the fastener: use an appropriate screwdriver without applying excessive effort.
- 👐 Carefully remove the handle: if it fits tightly, slightly rock it from side to side.
After removing the handle, you need to get to the top loop. It is usually closed with a decorative cover, which is removed by prying it off with a flat-head screwdriver. Under the cover you will see two or three screws that hold the door in place. Before unscrewing them, it is better to support the door with something or ask an assistant to hold it.
After unscrewing the screws of the top hinge, carefully remove the door from the bottom pin and put it in a safe place, preferably on a soft surface, so as not to scratch the front panel. You now have access to the inside of the top of the cabinet to reinstall fasteners.
Re-hanging the bottom door and freezer compartment
If your The refrigerator is a two-chamber one; after removing the top door, it is necessary to remove the bottom door of the freezer compartment as well. The principle of action here is similar, but there are some nuances. There is often a middle hinge between the chambers that serves as a support for both doors, and repositioning it is key.
Remove the decorative trim of the middle hinge, unscrew the screws and carefully remove the freezer door. Don’t forget that a power cord may be connected to it if there is a light bulb or display there. Wiring connectors you need to carefully disconnect it, first remembering or photographing their position.
Now we move on to the most important part - turning the hinges over. On the opposite side of the refrigerator body there should be holes closed with plastic plugs. These plugs must be removed and moved to the vacated holes on the current side. This will preserve the aesthetic appearance of the unit.
Next you should rearrange the loop itself. On some models Indesit the loop is symmetrical and can simply be turned over. In other cases, it may be necessary to replace the pin or use a special adapter included in the package. If the package did not include spare parts, you may have to use existing ones, changing their orientation.
☑️ Check before installation
After installing the loop in a new place, check its stability. It should fit snugly, without wobbling. If the hinge wobbles, it means that the screws are not tightened completely or the threads are broken. In the latter case, it may be necessary to repair the body, which is a more difficult task.
Installing doors on a new side
When all the hinges are moved to the opposite side of the body, you can begin hanging the doors. We start with the bottom door (freezer). Carefully slide the door hinge onto the pin installed in the frame. Make sure that the door is level and the gap between it and the body is uniform along the entire length.
Then you need to connect the wiring, if provided for by the design. The connectors are usually keyed to prevent misconnection, but still proceed with caution. Fragile wires easily damaged if yanked too hard. Lay the harness so that it does not fall into the friction zone when opening the door.
The table below will help you navigate the typical clearances and tightening torques for different units (averaged values for Indesit equipment):
| Mounting unit | Screw type | Recommended force | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top loop | M6 x 25 | Medium (all the way) | Do not overtighten |
| Medium loop | M6 x 30 | High | Load-bearing element |
| Handle fastening | M4 x 15 | Low | Risk of plastic chipping |
| Bottom support | M8 | High | Height adjustment |
After installing the lower door, we move on to the upper one. The principle is the same: put it on the pin, align it, tighten the screws of the top hinge. At this stage, it is important not to completely tighten the screws, but to leave a small gap for final adjustment of the door position.
⚠️ Attention: When hanging the doors, make sure that the sealing rubber does not turn under. If the rubber band becomes wrinkled, the refrigerator will not be airtight, which will lead to the formation of ice and increased load on the compressor.
Adjusting the position of doors and gaps
After the doors are installed in place, it often turns out that they are skewed or do not fit tightly. This is normal, since when overweight it is difficult to immediately get into the ideal position. Adjustment is made by using the adjustment supports at the bottom of the refrigerator and loosening the hinge screws.
Use the front adjustment supports to align the door vertically. By rotating them clockwise or counterclockwise, you can raise or lower the corresponding corner of the refrigerator. This helps to compensate for uneven floors and align the door's skew relative to the horizontal line.
If the door is skewed diagonally (one upper corner fits tighter than the other), it is necessary to loosen the hinge screws (top and middle) literally half a turn. Then, holding the door in the correct position, carefully tighten the screws back. Adjustment accuracy affects how well the refrigerator will close and the magnetic lock will work.
What to do if the door slams?
If the door closes too tightly or, on the contrary, it slams, check the angle of the body. The refrigerator should be slightly tilted back (the back leg is lower than the front) so that the door closes itself under the influence of gravity.
Check the operation of the door: it should open freely, without creaks, and close tightly with a slight push. The gap between the door and the body should be the same at the top and bottom. If this is not the case, repeat the adjustment procedure.
Rearranging the handles and final assembly
The final stage is installing the handles on the new side. It is important here not to confuse the left and right handles if they are asymmetrical. Included with the refrigerator Indesit sometimes there are special plugs for the holes that remain free after moving the handles. Install them to prevent dust and moisture from getting inside the case.
Tighten the handles using the previously removed screws. Make sure they fit snugly and don't wobble. If the design includes decorative overlays for the hinges, install them in place, snapping them into place until they click. This will give the unit a finished look.
After assembly, plug in the refrigerator. Let it run for a few hours without loading food to make sure it is stable and there are no leaking problems. Listen to the operation of the compressor - if the doors are skewed, the motor may have to work harder.
- ✅ Check the tightness of the seal around the entire perimeter.
- ✅ Make sure that the handles are fixed securely.
- ✅ All decorative plugs are installed in their space.
- ✅ The refrigerator is stable and does not wobble.
At this point the process can be considered complete. Properly performed door rehanging extends the service life of the seals and ensures comfortable use of the refrigerator in the new conditions of your kitchen.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
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, it is better to defrost the unit in advance. Ice can crumble when tilting or removing the door, and water can get on the electrical contacts or leak out onto the floor.
Is it possible to hang the door if the refrigerator is built-in?
With built-in refrigerators Indesit the situation is more complicated. It is often necessary to remove the front panels of a kitchen unit. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to contact specialists, since the risk of damaging the furniture or disrupting the ventilation of built-in equipment is very high.
What to do if the plugs for the holes are lost?
If the plastic plugs are lost, the holes can be sealed with decorative film in the color of the case or use universal furniture plugs of suitable diameter, which are sold in construction stores. The main thing is to block access to the inside of the case.
Why doesn’t the door close on its own after rehanging?
Most likely, the angle of inclination of the case is broken. To close independently, the refrigerator must be installed tilted backwards (the front legs are twisted higher than the back ones). Also check whether the seal is touching the floor or whether the door itself is warped.