Changing the kitchen layout often requires rearrangement large household appliances. If you bought a new set or simply decided to optimize the space, a situation may arise when opening the refrigerator door becomes inconvenient or completely impossible. In such cases, the only correct solution is to hang the door on the opposite side. This procedure allows you to adapt the equipment to new operating conditions without loss of functionality.
Modern models LG, Samsung, Bosch and other popular brands are often designed taking into account the possibility of changing the opening side. However, not all users know that this operation can be performed independently. Proper rehanging will not only improve ergonomics, but will also extend the service life of the seals, since the door will open in free space without touching walls or furniture.
Before starting work, you must carefully prepare. You will need not only a basic set of tools, but also an understanding of the hinges of your unit. Careless attitude can lead to damage to the façade or failure of the seal of the chamber.
Preparation of tools and workplace
The success of the operation directly depends on the quality of preparation. You don't need complex professional tools, but you should have reliable tools at hand. The main work will be done by a screwdriver or a set of screwdrivers with various attachments. Manufacturers often use specific screws, so the presence of bits Torx or Hex will be a big plus.
Particular attention should be paid to protecting the floor covering. The removed door will need to be placed somewhere, and it is better to prepare a soft substrate. It is also recommended to invite an assistant if we are talking about double-leaf models or heavy units. One person will hold the structure, and the second will work with the fasteners.
Gather the following set of tools:
- 🔧 A set of screwdrivers (phillips and flat-head) or a screwdriver with the appropriate bits
- 🔩 Wrenches or sockets (size 8 or 10 are often required mm)
- 📏 Construction level for checking horizontal position after installation
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges
- 🧽 Soft rags for cleaning dust from mounting points
Ensure good lighting in the area carrying out work. You'll have to work with small parts, and in poor light it's easy to lose a screw or miss a crack in the plastic. Clear the space around the refrigerator in advance so that nothing interferes with maneuvers with the door leaf.
Removing the top panel and handle
The process begins from the top of the body. On many models there is a decorative cover on top that hides the fastening elements of the upper hinge. Carefully pry it up with a flathead screwdriver or remove it by unscrewing the fixing screws. Be careful not to break the plastic latches.
Removing the cover will reveal access to the top hinge. Before unscrewing it, you must lock the door in the open position or ask an assistant to hold it. Abruptly removing the fasteners can cause the heavy door to fall, which can result in foot injuries or damage to the floor.
The next step is to remove the handle. Depending on the model Indesit or Atlant, the handle can be secured with screws from the inside or have a hidden fixation mechanism. If there are no screws, you may need to carefully press the fasteners through the technological holes.
⚠️ Attention: When removing the top hinge, make sure that the door is securely fixed. Falling the door can damage the lower hinge or deform the refrigerator body.
Unscrew the bolts of the upper hinge and remove it. Now the door is held only on the lower hinge (if the design allows temporary release of the top) or is completely free. Carefully remove the door from the bottom pin and place it in a safe place, placing it on a prepared soft surface.
Removing the door and dismantling the lower hinge
After the upper hinge is removed, you can proceed to the main stage. The refrigerator door is a massive element, and you need to work with it in compliance with safety precautions. If you have a model Side-by-Side or just a tall unit, the door weight can reach 20-30 kg.
Remove the door from the bottom pin. To do this, lift it up (if there are no stoppers) or simply slide it to the side, releasing the axis of rotation. Place the door outside down on the prepared surface. Make sure the backing is clean to avoid scratching the gloss finish or enamel.
Now work on the bottom hinge. It is usually attached to the body of the refrigerator and to the door itself. Unscrew the mounting bolts connecting the hinge to the door. After this, you can remove the hinge itself from the body. Inspect the holes: there may be old plugs in them that need to be removed.
An important point is sealing rubber. When dismantling, check its condition. If it has creases or cracks, it is better to replace it immediately while the door is removed. The tightness of the chamber is critical for energy efficiency.
☑️ Check before installation
Rearranging the fittings to the new side
The most critical stage is moving all the elements to the opposite side. The design of most refrigerators is symmetrical, and there are technological holes on the back of the door and body. They may contain plastic plugs that need to be removed and moved to the vacant places.
Start with the door. Install the handle in its new location using the holes on the opposite end. Attach the bottom hinge to the door in the correct orientation. Please note that some hinges have a top and a bottom and cannot be reversed.
Then move on to the body of the refrigerator. Install the bottom support hinge into the corresponding holes on the new side. Tighten the bolts, but do not tighten them all the way yet. This will allow you to adjust the position of the door when hanging.
The table below will help you navigate the sequence of actions for different fastening zones:
| Fasting area | Action | Tool | Nuance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper part | Rearranging the decorative cover | Screwdriver | Keep an eye on the latches |
| Door leaf | Installation of handle and bottom hinges | Screwdriver | Do not overtighten the plastic |
| Bottom of the case | Installing the support axis | Wrench 8-10 mm | Control the level |
| Internal panel | Transfer plugs | Tweezers/Knife | Keep tightness |
Don't forget to rearrange the plugs into the vacated holes on the old side. This is necessary to preserve aesthetics and prevent moisture or dust from entering the structure.
Installing the door and adjusting the hinges
Now you can put the door in place. Lift the door leaf and place the bottom hinge on the installed axle. Make sure the door is seated tightly and level. After this, install the top hinge by inserting it into the grooves and tightening the bolts.
At this stage, it is critical to level the door. If the refrigerator is not level, the door may open spontaneously or, conversely, not fit completely. Use a building level, placing it on the upper edge of the door or on the lid of the refrigerator.
Adjustment is carried out by rotating the legs of the refrigerator or special adjusting screws on the hinges. The gap between the door and the body should be uniform around the entire perimeter, usually it is 2-4 mm. Achieve parallelism of the edges.
⚠️ Attention: Perform the final tightening of the upper hinge bolts only after you are sure that the door is level and closes tightly. Premature fixation can lead to distortion.
After installation, check the operation of the magnetic lock. The door should close with a characteristic bang, but without excessive force. If too much pressure is required, the hinges may be pinched or skewed.
What to do if the door does not close tightly?
If after installation you notice that the door does not fit tightly, check the position of the seal. Perhaps it got wrapped up during installation. Also try loosening the top hinge bolts a little and rocking the door until it snaps into place, then re-tighten the fasteners. In rare cases, it is necessary to adjust the height of the legs of the refrigerator.
Nuances for two-chamber and No Frost models
Owners of refrigerators with a system No Frost or two-chamber models (for example, Stinol or Beko) you need to be more careful. Such units often have an additional middle loop that separates the freezer and refrigerator compartments. The rehanging process here is complicated by the need to dismantle this central support.
When working with two-chamber models, the sequence of actions changes. First, the top door (freezer) is removed, then the middle hinge is removed, and only after that the bottom door is removed. Installation is carried out in the reverse order: first the bottom door, then the middle hinge, then the top.
Pay special attention to electrical wires if they go through the hinges. Some models have wiring running through the top hinge for a door indicator or light. They need to be carefully disconnected and reconnected on the other side, observing the polarity of the connectors.
- ❄️ Check the integrity of the wires when moving
- 🔌 Make sure the connectors are fully latched
- 🔍 Check the operation of the lamp and indicators after turning on
If you are not confident in your abilities when working with electrical components, it is better to contact specialists. An error can lead to a short circuit or failure of the control module.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it necessary to defrost the refrigerator before hanging the door?
It is advisable, but not necessarily completely. However, if you plan to tilt the refrigerator to access the bottom screws, it is better to remove all the food and defrost the chamber to prevent water from flowing into the compressor or onto the floor.
Is it possible to reverse the door on a refrigerator with a display?
It depends on the model. If the display is built into the door and the wires are not long enough to move to the other side, it may not be possible to rehang the door without replacing the wiring. In such cases, it is better to consult instructions or a specialist.
Why does the door open by itself after rehanging?
Most likely, the refrigerator is not level. For proper closure, the upper hinge should be slightly higher than the lower one (the body is tilted back). Adjust the front legs of the refrigerator by unscrewing them.
Will the warranty still apply after re-hanging it yourself?
In most cases, re-hanging the door is not a violation of the warranty terms if you have not damaged the equipment in the process. However, if you break the hinge or the housing, the warranty claim may not be accepted. Keep all removed parts.