Changing the opening side of the refrigerator - This is not just a whim, but often a necessary measure to optimize the kitchen space. When you change the layout of your kitchen or buy new furniture, the standard door location can become an obstacle to comfortable movement. It is at such moments that the question arises of how to re-hang the handle on the refrigerator so that the unit fits perfectly into the new interior.
The re-hanging procedure may seem complicated only at first glance. In fact, most modern models from leading manufacturers are designed from the ground up with the reversing the door leafability in mind. This means that the design allows you to move the hinges and fittings to the opposite side without damaging the body. However, it is important to understand that there is no universal algorithm: each brand has its own nuances of fastening.
In this article we will analyze the technical features of the process, the necessary tools and step-by-step actions for different types of structures. You will learn how to properly dismantle old elements, move mounting holes and adjust the tightness of the door after completion of the work. Correctly performed re-hanging will extend the service life sealing rubber and ensure stable operation of the compressor.
Preparation of the workplace and the necessary tools
Before starting active actions, it is necessary to carefully prepare the work area. The refrigerator is a heavy unit, and to access the bottom hinges you will have to tilt it or completely clear the space around it. Make sure that the floor is covered with a soft material, such as cardboard or thick fabric, so as not to scratch the floor covering and the bottom of the case when the weight shifts.
The key step is to select the right tool. Depending on the model of your refrigerator (for example Indesit or Stinol), you may need different types of screwdrivers and wrenches. Most often, a Phillips screwdriver is used, but sometimes there are screws with slots like Torx or (hex). Prepare a set in advance so as not to interrupt work at the most crucial moment.
You will need the following set of tools:
- 🔧 A set of screwdrivers (phillips and flat) for removing fasteners.
- 🔩 Wrenches or sockets (usually 8 mm or 10 mm) for hinge bolts.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges.
- 🧼 Masking tape to secure the door during work.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. This is critically important, since tilting the housing may damage the wiring or cause a short circuit in the control unit.
It is also recommended to empty the door shelves of food. Even if you plan to simply lift the door, the extra load can cause back injury or damage to the fasteners. Complete unloading will make the structure easier and safer for manipulation.
☑️ Checking readiness for work
Analysis of the design and search for hidden elements
Before unscrewing the first screw, carefully study the design of the doors of your unit. In some models, such as many versions Bosch or Siemens, fasteners may be hidden under decorative plugs. These plastic pieces often mask the bolts that hold the handle or top hinge in place.
Inspect the perimeter of the handle and the top of the door. If you see small holes or seams in the plastic trim, carefully pry them out with a thin flathead screwdriver. Do not use excessive force to avoid breaking the plastic clips. Sometimes, to access the internal mechanism, it is necessary to remove the entire control panel if it is located on the door.
Pay special attention to the type of fastening of the handle itself. It can be screwed from the inside through special technological holes or held on by screws that are accessible only after removing the door. In models with hidden installation often it is necessary to first dismantle the door entirely, and then work with the fittings on the table.
What to do if the screws are rusty?
If you find that the mounting screws do not unscrew due to corrosion or factory retainer, do not use excessive force. Treat the joint with a penetrating lubricant (such as WD-40) and leave for 10-15 minutes. After this, try to carefully remove the thread. Using an impact screwdriver may help, but there is a risk of damaging the plastic of the door.
It is also important to check whether the manufacturer provides an overhang option for your specific model. The presence of threaded holes on the opposite side of the case is the main indicator. If on the other side the metal is smooth and without holes, then, alas, door reverse in this case it is impossible without complex engineering modifications.
Dismantling the door and removing old fittings
The process of removing the door requires care and, preferably, the help of a second person. The door leaf is heavy and bulky, it is easy to drop it or deform the hinges if handled carelessly. First, remove the top hinge, having previously secured the door in the closed position with masking tape so that it does not fall prematurely.
After unscrewing the top fasteners, carefully lift the door, removing it from the bottom axis. Place the fabric face up on a prepared soft surface. Now you can start dismantling the handle. Remove all visible screws holding the handle in place. If the screws are on the inside, they can only be accessed now that the door is removed.
When removing the handle, pay attention to the presence of additional washers or bushings. These small parts often get lost, causing the new handle to play or not fit properly. Place all fasteners in a separate container. In some models Samsung or LG the handle may be part of a complex mechanism that requires careful handling of plastic latches.
| Work stage | Required actions | Risks and nuances |
|---|---|---|
| Removing the top hinge | Unscrew the bolts, remove the hinge cover | The door may fall without fixing |
| Dismantling the leaf | Remove the door from the lower axis | Heavy weight, risk of hitting the floor |
| Removing the handle | Unscrew the screws, remove the decorative plugs | Risk of chipping the plastic if removed inaccurately |
| Transferring the plugs | Move the plastic plugs to new places | Loss of small decorative elements |
After removing the handle, inspect the holes. If there are any studs or bushings sticking out on the old side, they must be carefully knocked out or unscrewed. The surface must be clean so that the subsequently installed decorative plugs lay flat and do not stand out against the general background.
Installing the handle and hinges on the new side
Now we move on to installation on the opposite side. Find the corresponding technological holes on the end of the door and the side wall of the housing. Install the handle using the same screws as before, or the special fasteners included in the kit (if the model requires different sets of screws for different sides).
When tightening the screws, do not immediately tighten them “all the way.” First, tighten all the bolts, visually align the handle so that it is parallel to the edge of the door, and only then make the final tightening. This will avoid distortion, which is especially noticeable on glossy surfaces of refrigerators Haier or Beko.
Next you need to rehang the door itself. To do this, move the bottom hinge to the opposite side of the case. On some models, the bottom axle may not be symmetrical, so make sure you install it with the correct side up. Slide the door onto the bottom axle, align the top hinge and screw it in place.
Pay attention to the magnetic light switch (if it is located on the body and not on the door). When you move the door to the other side, the switch may not be activated, and the light in the refrigerator will remain on constantly. In such cases, it is necessary to move the switch itself to the other side or use a special mode switch, if your model has one.
⚠️ Attention: Do not overtighten the hinge bolts. Excessive force can lead to metal deformation or thread breakage, which will make further adjustment of the door position impossible.
Adjusting the door position and checking the tightness
After installing all the elements in new places, it is critical to carry out the adjustment. The door should close tightly, without gaps, but not too tightly. Incorrect adjustment will cause the sealing rubber to wear out unevenly, and the compressor will start working more often, trying to compensate for the loss of cold. the sealing rubber will wear unevenly, and the compressor will start working more often, trying to compensate for the loss of cold.
Check the horizontal installation of the refrigerator itself. If the floor is uneven, use adjustable feet on the bottom of the cabinet. The door should close on its own due to gravity when opened 45 degrees. If this does not happen, the refrigerator may be tilted backwards.
To check the tightness, use a simple test with a sheet of paper. Clamp the sheet with the door around the perimeter. If the paper is pulled out easily and without resistance, it means that the seal does not fit in this place. In such cases, it is necessary to tighten the adjusting screws on the hinges (usually they are located on the lower or middle hinge) to change the tilt of the leaf.
Frequent errors during adjustment:
- 📉 Ignoring the floor level, which leads to spontaneous opening of the door.
- 🔩 Lack of lubrication on the rubbing elements of the hinges, causing creaking.
- ❌ Misalignment of the door relative to the body, creating a visual defect.
Features of overhang for different brands
Different manufacturers use different engineering solutions. For example, in refrigerators Indesit i Ariston it is often necessary to remove the entire top panel of the case to access the top hinge fasteners. This adds a disassembly step, but makes the process more understandable.
In models LG and Samsung with the No Frost system, electronics are often found on the door. In such cases, before removing the door, it is necessary to disconnect the wire cables. Always photograph the connection of the wires before disconnecting! This will help to avoid errors during assembly, since the colors of the wires may be similar, and the connectors may differ in the number of pins.
Refrigerators Bosch i Siemens may have hidden hinges that are not visible from the outside even when the door is open. To service them, complete dismantling of the decorative trims is required. In such cases, it is better to have a diagram from the service manual on hand, since the procedure for removing the plastic latches is strictly regulated.
If your refrigerator is two-chamber (freezer on top or bottom), the procedure is repeated for each door separately. You should always start with the top door, then move to the bottom. This will ensure the stability of the structure during operation.
What to do if, after rehanging, there is an extra hole left?
In some budget models, holes for the handle may only be on one side, and on the other - just smooth plastic. If you have moved the handle and the old holes are still visible, you can close them with special plugs, which are often included, or paint them over with a furniture marker to match the body.
Is it possible to rehang the door on a refrigerator with a display?
Yes, it is possible, but it is more difficult. You will have to carefully disconnect the display cables and, possibly, rearrange the control module itself, if the design allows it. If the display is built into the door asymmetrically, transfer may not be possible without replacing the front panel.
Do you need to wait after installation before turning it on?
If you tilted the refrigerator strongly during operation (more than 40 degrees), it is recommended to wait 2-4 hours before turning it on. This is necessary so that the oil in the compressor flows back into the crankcase, otherwise water hammer is possible.
Why did the door begin to close tighter?
This is normal for the first days of operation after adjustment. A new seal has not yet been developed. Over time, it will wrinkle and the closing force will decrease. If the door closes with a bang and is difficult to open, this is a sign of proper tightness.
Is it possible to change the opening side on a built-in refrigerator?
It is more difficult to do this on built-in appliances, since access to the hinges is limited by the furniture box. Partial dismantling of kitchen facades is often required. It is recommended to invite a specialist if you are not confident in your ability to work with furniture fasteners.