The situation when, after delivering new household appliances or rearranging the kitchen, it turns out that refrigerator door opens in an inconvenient direction is familiar to many. This creates significant obstacles to the comfortable use of the unit, especially in limited space in small kitchens. Fortunately, most modern models, whether Indesit, Atlant or premium LG, are initially designed with the possibility of changing the opening side.
The process of reinstalling the door leaf requires not so much complex equipment as care and adherence to a sequence of actions. Incorrect assembly can lead to a loose seal, which will cause loss of cold and increased energy consumption. In this article we will analyze in detail how to properly rehang the door, what nuances to take into account when working with different types of hinges and how to avoid common mistakes.
Before proceeding with dismantling, it is necessary to free up space around the refrigerator cabinet and prepare a flat, soft surface for laying the removed elements. It is important to understand that the design of hinges for two-chamber models may differ from single-chamber analogs, so there is no universal instruction “for everyone,” but the general algorithm of actions remains the same. It is critically important before starting work to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply and pause for at least 10-15 minutes to stabilize the pressure in the system.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
To successfully complete the task of changing the opening side, you will need a basic DIY kit. The main tool will be hex key (usually 4 mm or 5 mm), which often comes complete with new equipment. If such a key is lost, it is easy to find in any hardware store, since it is a standard fastening element.
You will also need:
- 🔧 A set of screwdrivers (phillips and flat) for dismantling decorative plugs.
- 🔩 Wrenches or sockets (sizes 8, 10 mm) for working with the main fastening bolts.
- 🧤 Construction gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges.
- 🧼 Clean rags for wiping hinges from old grease.
Organize your workplace so that you have easy access to the refrigerator from all sides. It is recommended to lay cardboard or thick fabric on the floor to prevent the floor covering from being scratched by fallen parts or the unit itself. If the model is heavy, it is better to enlist the help of an assistant, since door leaf with installed shelves it can weigh a significant number of kilograms.
⚠️ Attention: Do not try to hold a heavy door with one hand while simultaneously unscrewing the hinge bolts. A sudden breakdown can lead to injury or damage to the door covering.
Design features of hinges of different brands
The design of canopies varies significantly depending on the manufacturer and price segment of the equipment. Understanding the type of fastening system you have will help you avoid plastic parts from breaking. The most common are three types of designs, each of which has its own technical features.
The first type is the classic external hinges, characteristic of models Atlant and old Soviet refrigerators. They are located outside the housing and are often covered with decorative plastic covers. The second type is hidden hinges used in technology Bosch i Siemens, where the fasteners are hidden inside the body or under a decorative strip. The third type is complex hinge systems with closers, found in models Samsung and LG with the No Frost system.
The following is a table that helps identify the type of fastening by external features:
| Type systems | Characteristic brands | Fastener location | Difficulty of re-weighing |
|---|---|---|---|
| External loop | Atlant, Biryusa | Outside, visible | Low |
| Hidden hinge | Bosch, Liebherr | Under the decor strip | Medium |
| Hinged with closer | Samsung, LG | Combined | High |
It is important to note that in some models upper hinge it may be non-removable or have a fixed installation side. In such cases, complete re-hanging is impossible without replacing the hinge itself with a mirror modification, which must be ordered separately at the service center.
Step-by-step instructions: dismantling the door leaf
You need to start work from the top of the refrigerator closet Carefully remove the decorative cap or panel hiding the top hinge fasteners. This may require prying off the edge with a flathead screwdriver, but be careful not to break the plastic latches.
Using an appropriate wrench (usually a hex wrench), loosen, but do not completely remove, the mounting bolts top hinge. If the model is equipped with a closer or stabilization system, make sure you understand how it works so as not to damage the mechanism when removing it. In some cases, it is necessary to secure the door in the open position with tape.
After loosening the fasteners, completely unscrew the bolts and remove the top hinge. Now the door is only supported by the lower awning. Lift the door leaf up to remove it from the bottom axis and carefully place it in a safe place. If the door is heavy, be sure to call an assistant.
☑️ Dismantling procedure
Pay special attention to the bottom hinge. In most models, it is attached to the body with bolts that need to be unscrewed. However, in some designs (for example, a number of models Indesit), the lower support may be part of the frame, and then only the position of the pin or bushing changes.
Flipping the door and installing new elements
After the door is removed, it is necessary to prepare it for installation on the opposite side. At the end of the door leaf you will find holes for attaching hinges. Usually, on one side they are closed with plastic plugs, and on the other, they are free or occupied by holding bolts.
You need to unscrew the holding bolts (or pull out the pins) from the current side and move them to symmetrical holes on the opposite end. Plastic plugs they are also transferred to the vacant spaces to hide the fasteners and maintain an aesthetic appearance. Make sure that all elements fit tightly and without gaps.
A similar procedure must be carried out with the handle if it is non-removable or has an asymmetrical fastening. In some models, the handle is simply rearranged according to the instructions, in others it is necessary to replace the part itself with a mirror one. If the refrigerator came with a second handle, install it according to the diagram.
⚠️ Attention: When moving the handle, do not twist the fastening screws, as the threads in the plastic base of the door can easily break, which will lead to play in the handle.
What to do if the holes are not match?
In some budget models, holes for hinges can be drilled only on one side from the manufacturer. In this case, independently drilling new holes is strictly prohibited, as this will disrupt the thermal insulation and damage the internal circuit. Check the instructions: if re-hanging is not provided, you will have to put up with the current position or change the installation location of the refrigerator.
Installation of hinges on the new side and adjustment
Now we move on to installing the fittings on the refrigerator body. The lower loop is installed in a new place (on the opposite lower corner). Insert the pin or axle into the prepared hole and secure the hinge with bolts. Do not tighten them all the way right away - leave a small gap for later adjustment.
Install the door leaf on the lower axis. Have an assistant hold the door upright while you install top hinge. Insert the bolts into the holes and begin to tighten them carefully. At this stage, it is important to ensure that the door does not warp and the gap around the perimeter is uniform.
The final stage is adjusting the position. Open the door 45 degrees and release. It should close on its own or stay in place, but not forcefully slam shut or open further. If misalignment is observed, loosen the top hinge bolts and slightly shift its position, then tighten again.
Checking tightness and eliminating distortions
After the final tightening of all bolts, it is necessary to check the tightness of the fit sealing rubber along the entire contour. Take a sheet of A4 paper, clamp it with the door and try to pull it out. The paper should be removed with noticeable force along the entire length of the perimeter.
If in some places the paper falls out freely or, conversely, gets stuck tightly, additional adjustment is required. Often the problem is solved by heating the seal with a hairdryer (at a minimum temperature) to restore its elasticity if it was deformed during transportation.
Also check the operation of the magnetic lock and door closers. The door should close tightly, without gaps through which the cold can escape. A loose fit will lead to the formation of ice and increased load on the compressor.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to hang the door if the refrigerator is built into a kitchen unit?
Theoretically it is possible, but it is extremely difficult. You will need to dismantle the front panels, remove the refrigerator itself from the niche, carry out all the work and install it back. It is often easier to dismantle one of the side walls of the cabinet, if the kitchen design allows it, to gain access from the side.
What to do if the hinge bolts are lost?
Do not use the first bolts you come across from the home set. The thread and length must strictly correspond to the originals, otherwise the case or hinge may be damaged. Contact your nearest hardware store with a sample hole or order original spare parts for the refrigerator model.
Why, after rehanging, did the door begin to close worse?
Most likely, the installation geometry of the hinges is broken or the seal is deformed. Check the tightness of the bolts and make sure that the rubber profile is not bent anywhere and has not jumped out of the groove. Also check whether the food on the shelves does not interfere with the tight closure.
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging?
It is not necessary to defrost the unit if you work quickly. However, it must be disconnected from the network. If there is a lot of ice in the freezer, it is better to wait until it melts so that water does not flow out when the door is tilted during work.