How to move the refrigerator door to the other side

Rearranging furniture on The kitchen often poses an unexpected question to owners of household appliances: how to rehang the refrigerator door so that it fits into the new interior. This procedure may be required not only when changing the layout, but also if initially opening direction was chosen incorrectly, which prevents the door from fully opening or access to the shelves.

Many models of modern refrigerators, be it Indesit, LG or Samsung, structurally provide for the possibility of reinstalling the hinges. However, this process requires accuracy, the presence of a basic set of tools and an understanding of the device accessories.

In this article we will analyze the stages of work in detail, pay attention to the nuances of different brands and tell you how to avoid common mistakes that can lead to damage to the case or a leak.

⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from electrical networks. Working with live electrical appliances is unacceptable, even if you only touch metal hinges.

Necessary tools and workplace preparation

The success of the operation directly depends on proper preparation. You don't need complex industrial equipment, but you should have a reliable one at hand. Most often, a standard household screwdriver and wrench are sufficient, but for some models a set of tools. Most often, a standard household screwdriver and wrench are sufficient, but for some models Bosch or Electrolux you may need specific attachments.

Free up space around the unit. You need to ensure easy access from all sides, as the door will have to be removed and set aside. Cover the floor with thick cardboard or old blankets so as not to scratch the flooring and the door itself door during dismantling.

In advance Prepare a container for folding the fasteners. Small bolts and washers tend to get lost at the most inopportune moment, and finding an original replacement for a specific thread pitch can be difficult. Masking tape is also useful for fixing moving parts.

Design features of different models of refrigerators

Before grabbing the tools, carefully study the technical documentation of your device. Hinge designs vary greatly between manufacturers. For example, in refrigerators Atlant there is often a hidden installation of the top hinges, while in Liebherr the mechanism can be placed outside.

It is important to determine the type of seal. In some older models, the rubber seal glued along the entire perimeter, and it will have to be re-glued or heated with a hairdryer after rehanging. In modern units, the profile is usually symmetrical, which simplifies the task.

Models with the system deserve special attention. No Frost. They allow electrical wires for a display or sensors to pass through the loop. In such cases, simply rearranging the metal is impossible without resoldering or extending the cables. If you find wires coming through the top loop, do not pull them. Make sure that the kit includes a spare cable of the required length for the other side, otherwise moving the door will require the services of a service center. cables.

⚠️ Attention: If you find wires coming through the top loop, do not pull them. Make sure that the kit contains a spare cable of the required length for the other side, otherwise moving the door will require the services of a service center.

Step-by-step instructions: dismantling the door

The process begins with emptying the refrigerator from the contents. Full shelves significantly make the structure heavier, increasing the risk of the door being dropped or damaged. Remove all products, shelves and drawers. fastenings. Remove all food, shelves and drawers.

Remove the top decorative plug. It is usually held in place by latches or a single screw. The main fastening unit is hidden under it. Carefully unscrew the bolts, holding the door so that it does not fall on your feet.

What to do if the bolts are rusty?

If the fasteners do not give way, do not use excessive force so as not to strip the threads. Treat the joint with a penetrating lubricant (such as WD-40) and leave for 15-20 minutes. After this, try again to carefully remove the bolt with the key.

After removing the top hinge, carefully lift the door and remove it from the bottom axis. Place the removed sash on the prepared surface, outer side down, with a soft cloth underneath. Now you can begin to rearranging the fittings on the door itself.

Rearranging the fittings and handles

At this stage, you need to move the handle and the mating parts of the hinges to the opposite side. In most cases, there are already technological holes at the end of the door, closed with plastic plugs. They need to be removed.

Remove the handle. If it is screw-type, simply unscrew the fasteners from the inside. If the handle is hidden (mortise), you may need to remove the decorative trim. Install the handle to a new location using the provided holes.

Don't forget to rearrange the plastic plugs into the vacated holes to maintain an aesthetic appearance. Now the door is ready to be installed in a new location, and hinges can be transferred to the body.

Installing the door on a new side

Move the lower support hinge to the opposite side of the body. Insert the axle into the prepared socket and tighten the mounting bolts securely. Make sure that the hinge is level, without distortions, otherwise the door will not fit well Place the door on the lower axis. It is better to perform this action with an assistant, since even an empty refrigerator door weighs a lot. Align the holes in the top of the door with the holes in the frame and install the top hinge..

Place the door on the lower axis. It is better to perform this action with an assistant, since even an empty refrigerator door weighs a lot. Align the holes in the top of the door with the holes in the frame and install the top hinge.

Secure the top hinge, but do not tighten the bolts all the way yet. Check the ease of movement of the door and the tight fit seal along the entire perimeter. If everything is in order, finally fix the fasteners.

Adjusting gaps and checking tightness

After installation, you need to make sure that the door closes tightly and does not open spontaneously. The gap between the door and the body must be uniform. If you notice a distortion, loosen the fasteners of the top hinge and slightly move it in the desired direction.

Check the operation of the magnetic lock. The door must be magnetized along its entire contour. Pay special attention to the corners - this is where cracks most often appear through which the cold escapes cold.

⚠️ Attention: If after adjustment the door still does not fit tightly, the seal may have become deformed during storage. Try warming it up with a hairdryer or pouring hot water over it to restore its elasticity.

Plug in the refrigerator and let it run for several hours. Check to see if ice is freezing in places where there is a loose fit. This is a sure sign that tightness is broken.

Common mistakes when hanging doors

One ​​of the most common mistakes is the loss or confusion of fasteners. The bolts for the top and bottom hinges may differ in length. If you screw a long bolt into a short socket, you can damage the internal structure of the door or break through thermal insulation.

Another mistake is ignoring wires. As mentioned earlier, models with displays or system No Frost often have wiring. An attempt to hang the door without taking this nuance into account will lead to broken contacts and failure of the electronics.

Also, users often forget about the floor level. If the refrigerator is not level, the door may not close on its own, even if the hinges are positioned perfectly. Always adjust the legs of the unit after moving it.

Is it possible to hang the door on a built-in refrigerator?

Yes, you can, but it is more difficult. Built-in models often have additional hinges for attaching to a furniture facade. You will have to rehang both the refrigerator door itself and the front panel, maintaining precise gaps so that the structure does not touch the walls of the niche.

Is it necessary to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging?

It is advisable. Although this is not a strict technical requirement for the process of changing hinges itself, defrosting will lighten the weight of the unit (if you decide to tilt it) and will allow you to inspect the seal, which will become more elastic when warm.

What to do if the door slams after rehanging?

Most likely, the installation geometry is broken or the bolts are overtightened. Try loosening the top hinge by half a turn. Also check whether the door touches the protruding parts of the case or shelves when closing.