Changing the side of door opening refrigerators are a common task that owners face when moving or remodeling a kitchen. Stinol refrigerators initially designed with the ability to rearrange the hinges, which allows you to adapt the equipment to any size of the room. In most cases, this operation does not require calling a specialist, since the design provides access to the main fastening units.
The process overhanging doors takes from 30 to 60 minutes if you follow a clear algorithm of actions. The main difficulty for beginners is dismantling the handle, which is often hidden under decorative plugs, and adjusting the gaps after installation. Models Stinol have their own design features, ignoring which can lead to skew of the canvas or damage to the seal.
Before starting work, it is necessary to prepare a workspace, since removed elements they require space for temporary storage. It is also important to consider that some models may have hidden screws covered with plastic covers. Tool preparation plays a key role in the success of the operation, so check that you have everything you need in advance.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
For high-quality performance work rearranging hinges will require a minimum set of tools, which are usually found in every home. The main tool will be a screwdriver, but the type of slot may vary depending on the year of manufacture of the equipment. In some cases, the screws may be tightened quite tightly due to factory lubrication or vibration during transportation.
Be sure to prepare a soft substrate on which you will lay the removed doors. The floor surface of the Stinol refrigerator may be hard, which will lead to scratches on the enamel or dents on the body. Using an old blanket, carpet or thick cardboard will help keep the aesthetic appearance intact. refrigerator Stinol intact.
It is also recommended to have a container on hand for folding fasteners. Small screws and washers tend to get lost at the most inopportune moment, and finding a replacement for specific fasteners can be difficult. Workplace organization significantly speeds up the assembly process and reduces the risk of losing parts.
- 🛠️ Phillips screwdriver (PH2) for most fastening screws hinges.
- 🛠️ Hex key (usually 4 or 5 mm) for adjusting bolts.
- 🛠️ Flathead screwdriver or knife for carefully removing the plugs.
- 🛠️ Soft cloth or cardboard to protect the floor and doors.
- 🛠️ Container for collecting screws and fittings.
Dismantling the top panel and removing the top door
The first step is always to remove the top cover of the refrigerator, if it is structurally provided for by the model. Fastening elements can be located in the front under the decorative strip or in the back. In some modifications Stinol the top panel is fixed with latches, which must be carefully pressed out without applying excessive force to avoid breaking the plastic.
After removing the cover, access to the top hinge opens. Fixing screws often hidden under plastic plugs that can be easily removed with a flat screwdriver. Before unscrewing the bolts, it is necessary to hold the door, since after removing the hinge it will remain hanging only on the seal and may fall.
For ease of work, it is better to perform dismantling together, so that one person holds door leafand the second works with the tool. If there is no assistant, the door can be temporarily secured with tape or propped, but this increases the risk of damage. Carefully disconnect the wiring if a warning light or display is installed on the door.
⚠️ Attention: Do not sharply pull the display or lamp wires - the contacts may be fragile. Disconnect the connectors by pressing the latch.
After unscrewing the top hinge, the door is removed and set aside. Now a similar procedure must be carried out with the bottom door (in two-chamber models), having first removed the middle hinge. Sequence of actions must be strict: first the top, then the middle, then the bottom.
☑️ Dismantling order
Rearranging the handles and removing the plugs
The most labor-intensive part of the process is often turning the handles over, since they can have a complex design. On many models Stinol refrigerators handles are hidden or integrated into the profile and require careful handling. To rearrange them, you need to unscrew the locking screws from the inside of the door.
The holes remaining after removing the handles on the front side must be closed with decorative plugs. Usually they come complete with equipment or are already installed on the opposite side, from where we will rearrange the fittings. Plastic plugs Provide an aesthetic appearance and protect the metal from corrosion.
If the plugs are lost or missing, they can be ordered at the service center or selected universal analogues suitable color. It is important that they sit tightly in the grooves and do not stand out against the background of the main color of the body. Visual design plays an important role, especially if the refrigerator is in a visible place.
When removing the handles, pay attention to the condition of the mounting holes. If the thread is broken, it may be necessary to use a repair sleeve or replace the entire handle. Reliability of fastening The handle directly affects ease of use in the future.
What to do if the handle cannot be removed?
If the screws are unscrewed, but the handle does not move, perhaps it is stuck or the mechanism is jammed. Try gently tapping it with a rubber mallet or using WD-40, but avoid getting chemicals on the seal.
Scheme for re-hanging the bottom hinge and base
The bottom hinge in refrigerators Stinol is often hidden under a decorative base or plastic cover. To access it, you must remove this protection, which can be secured with latches or screws. You must act carefully so as not to break the plastic clips, which become brittle over time.
After removing the protection, you will see the lower axis of rotation. Hinge design allows you to move it to the opposite side using symmetrical holes in the case. Some models require replacing the bushing itself or using a special adapter that comes with the kit.
It is important to correctly install the washers and bushings, if they are provided for in the design. Assembly diagram The lower part often differs from the upper part by the presence of additional adjustment elements. Incorrect installation may result in the door opening by itself or, conversely, being too tight.
| Element | Action | Tool |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | Remove latches/screws | Flat screwdriver |
| Bottom hinge | Move to the other side | Key 10 mm |
| Sleeve | Replace with complete one | Hands |
| Adjustment | Set level | Hexagon |
Installing doors on a new side and assembling
Assembly is carried out in the reverse order of dismantling. First, the lower door is installed on its new hinge, then the middle hinge is fixed (for two-chamber models). Positioning It must be accurate so that the holes match without distortions.
After installing the middle hinge, the upper door is hung. At this stage, the screws of the upper hinge are not yet fully tightened - this is necessary for subsequent adjustment. Upper axis should fit freely into the hinge hole, ensuring the vertical position of the door.
Pay special attention to connecting the electrical connectors, if any. The wires must be laid in special grooves so as not to be pinched when closing the door. Wire insulation Must be intact, otherwise a short circuit may occur.
The final stage of assembly is the installation of the top cover of the refrigerator and all decorative elements. Check that all the plugs are in place and there are no unnecessary parts. Appearance The assembled refrigerator should be the same as before disassembly.
⚠️ Attention: Do not tighten the hinge bolts “all the way” immediately. First, tighten all the screws, align the doors, and only then make the final tightening.
Adjusting the position of the doors and eliminating gaps
After installing doors on a new side, adjustment is often required to ensure a tight fit of the seal. Gaps between doors or misalignment can lead to loss of cold and increased energy consumption. Adjustment is carried out using screws on the hinges or legs of the refrigerator.
If the door is skewed diagonally, it is necessary to loosen the middle hinge and align the position. Some models Stinol provide the ability to adjust the height of the door relative to the hinge. Vertical level checked with a building level or visually along the door joint line.
It is also important to check the operation of the magnetic lock. The door should open with a certain force and close tightly with a slight push. If the door slams or, conversely, does not fit completely, it requires fine tuning position.
- 🔧 Loosen the hinge screws by half a turn.
- 🔧 Align the door with your hands to the desired level position.
- 🔧 Tighten the screws, holding the door in the correct position.
- 🔧 Check the tightness with a sheet of paper.
How to check the tightness of the seal?
Take a sheet of paper and clamp it the refrigerator door in different places around the perimeter. If the sheet is difficult to pull out, the seal fits well. If the sheet falls out or moves freely, the hinge needs to be adjusted at this point.
What to do if the door does not close after rehanging?
Check whether the products on the shelves or in the door pockets are in the way. Make sure the refrigerator is level with the horizon. If this is not the problem, the hinges may be installed incorrectly or the seal needs to be replaced.
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging it?
Complete defrosting is not necessary, but it is recommended to unplug the appliance. This will protect you from electric shock when working with wiring and will prevent damage to the compressor when the case is tilted.