Changing the opening side of the refrigerator door Stinol is a common task that arises when remodeling a kitchen or purchasing new appliances that do not fit into the current one interior Owners are often faced with the need for a door to open to the right rather than to the left, or vice versa, in order to provide convenient access to products. Fortunately, the design of most models of this brand allows you to rehang it yourself, without calling a specialist.
The process requires care and a minimum set of tools, since the door leaf has significant weight and a complex system of seals. Incorrect actions may lead to damage facade panel or loss of seal of the camera. In this article, we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions, the features of dismantling handles and transferring mating parts of hinges for various modifications of refrigerators.
Before starting work, it is extremely important to empty the chamber of products and disconnect the unit from the power supply. This is not only a safety issue, but also a way to lighten the structure by removing excess load from the shelves. Prepare a flat surface next to the refrigerator where you can temporarily place the removed parts so as not to damage them or lose small screws.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
To successfully complete the procedure, you will need a standard home craftsman's kit. The main tool will be open-end or socket wrench, the size of which depends on the model of the refrigerator (most often 8 mm or 10 mm). In some cases, you may need a Phillips screwdriver PH2 to remove decorative plugs or handles. It would also be a good idea to prepare a flat-head screwdriver to carefully pry up the plastic elements.
It is important to ensure good lighting of the work area, since fasteners are often hidden in niches or covered with plugs. If the floor is slippery, place a mat or cardboard to prevent tools from flying under the refrigerator. Determine in advance a place to store the dismantled parts - it is best to use a small box or magnetic tray.
Make sure that you have free access to the side walls of the refrigerator on all sides. You will have to walk around the unit, shifting the heavy door. If space is limited, it is best to move the refrigerator away from the wall a safe distance, but do not pull it by the door or condenser.
Removing the top hinge and removing doors
We start work from the top of the refrigerator compartment. The first step is to remove the decorative plug that hides the fasteners of the top hinge. It is usually made of plastic and can be easily removed by applying gentle pressure with a flathead screwdriver or your fingernail. Underneath it you will find bolts securing the hinge to the body.
Using the appropriate wrench, loosen the mounting bolts, but do not unscrew them completely right away. First you need to fix the position of the door so that it does not fall on your feet. Have a helper hold the door or use special suction cups. After loosening the bolts, unscrew them completely and remove the metal hinge.
Now you can carefully remove the door from the lower pin bushing. Do this smoothly, without jerking, as the seal may stick slightly. Place the removed door on a prepared soft surface with the outer side down, laying a blanket or cardboard so as not to scratch enamel coating.
☑️ Removing the top hinge
Move the handle and plugs to the opposite side
The most difficult stage for many models Stinol is moving the handle. Depending on the design, the handle can be hidden (embedded in the end of the door) or external. If you have a model with a hidden handle, you will need to remove the decorative panel from the end, unscrew the mounting screws from the inside and move the handle to the opposite end, where the factory holes are provided.
For external handles, the process is simpler: they are removed from one side and screwed to the other. Please note that the holes on one side may be covered with plastic plugs. You need to carefully remove these plugs and install them in the vacant spaces on the working side to maintain an aesthetic appearance.
The question often arises: what to do if there are no threaded holes on the new side? In most refrigerators Stinol holes are drilled on both sides and closed with plugs. However, if you come across a rare model without holes, careful drilling will be required, but it is better to check the technical data sheet. Install the plugs tightly so that they do not fall out when the door slams.
Adjusting the lower support sleeve
After removing the door, attention turns to the lower part of the refrigerator. There is a support sleeve on which the door leaf rests. To change the opening side, this sleeve must be moved to the opposite lower corner of the housing. Unscrew the bolt securing the bushing and move it to the other side, screwing it into the provided hole.
When moving, make sure that the bushing is seated tightly and does not wobble. If the refrigerator came with a second bushing (spare), use it and preserve the old one. Sometimes it is necessary to lubricate the bushing axle with a small amount of silicone grease to prevent squeaking in the future.
Check the bushing installation level. If it is skewed, the door may not fit tightly to the body or open spontaneously. Use a building level or simply visually assess the horizontalness of the installation relative to the floor.
⚠️ Attention: Do not overtighten the lower bushing bolt so as not to strip the threads in the metal body of the refrigerator. The tightening should be confident, but without fanaticism.
Installing the door and installing hinges
Now we return the door to its place, but from the opposite side. Place the bottom hole of the door onto the installed bushing. Make sure the door is level and vertical. If everything is done correctly, it should rotate freely around its axis, although not yet fixed at the top.
Install the top hinge in a new place. Align the hinge holes with the holes in the refrigerator body and the holes in the end of the door. Insert the bolts and start tightening them. At this stage, do not tighten them all the way - the hinge should have a slight play for final adjustment.
After installing all the bolts, check the operation of the door. It should open smoothly, without jamming, and close tightly. If the door is crooked or there are distortions, loosen the top bolts and slightly move the hinge to the left or right, achieving the ideal position.
Table of fastener sizes for different models
For ease of work, a table has been prepared that will help you navigate the standard sizes of fasteners found in various series of refrigerators Stinol. Remember that the equipment may vary depending on the year of manufacture.
| Refrigerator model | Top hinge type | Bolt size (mm) | Handle features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stinol 102 / 104 | Double-bolt | M8 x 20 | Hidden, requires removal of the end |
| Stinol 105 | Three-bolt | M8 x 25 | External, with screws |
| Stinol 110 | Reinforced | M10 x 30 | Integrated into the facade |
| Stinol 167 | Standard | M8 x 20 | Hidden with plugs |
Using inappropriate fasteners may result in the bolt being too long and resting on the internal walls, or too short and not providing reliable fixation. Always check the length of the threaded part before installation.
Adjusting gaps and checking tightness
The final stage is checking the tightness. Once all the bolts are tightened, take a piece of paper and clamp it between the door and the frame around the perimeter. It should come out with noticeable effort. If the paper falls out freely or, conversely, the door does not close completely, adjustment is required.
To eliminate distortions, you can place washers under the lower bushing or adjust the position of the upper hinges. Also pay attention to the magnetic seal. If it becomes deformed when hanging, you can warm it up with a hairdryer (not too hot air) and straighten it with your hands, restoring elasticity.
Check the operation of the light switch and the activation of the compressor. When the door is opened, the light should come on, and when closed, it should go out. Make sure that the door does not open on its own - this is a sign that the refrigerator is not level or the body is skewed.
What to do if the door begins to close more tightly?
If after rehanging the door begins to close with great force, check whether the seal is touching the body. It may take time to “grind in” the new side, or you need to loosen the top hinges and align them parallel to the floor.
Common mistakes when rehanging
One of the common mistakes is the loss of plugs. Small plastic parts are easily lost, and without them the appearance of the refrigerator will suffer. Try to fix them immediately with tape or in a separate bag. They also often forget to rearrange the decorative strip between the doors, if it is structurally provided for.
Another mistake is the incorrect sequence of actions. If you remove the bottom bushing first without securing the top, the door may fall. Always follow the logic: first we release the top, remove the door, then change the bottom, then install the door, then fasten the top.
Do not ignore checking the floor level. Even a perfectly hung door will not work well if the refrigerator itself is on an uneven surface. Adjust the front support legs so that the body is stable and the door closes automatically when opened slightly.
⚠️ Attention: If you find cracks in the plastic of the hinges or bushings during dismantling, do not reinstall them. Operation with damaged fasteners will lead to sagging of the door and loss of tightness.
Is it possible to rehang the door if the refrigerator is built into the kitchen unit?
This is extremely difficult and often impossible without partial dismantling of the furniture. You will need enough clearance on the sides to remove the doors and reposition the hinges. If the refrigerator is tightly sandwiched by cabinets, you will first have to remove the kitchen fronts or dismantle the top cover of the cabinet.
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging it?
Full defrosting is not necessary if you work quickly. However, if there is a lot of ice in the freezer, it is better to wait until it melts to prevent water from flowing into the hinge mechanisms when tilting or removing the door. Also, an empty refrigerator is lighter.
Why, after rehanging, the door does not hold and opens on its own?
Most likely, the angle of the body is broken. The door must close under the influence of gravity. Try unscrewing the front adjustable feet by lifting the front of the refrigerator so that it leans back. Also check if anything is interfering with the seal.
Where can I get new plugs if the old ones are lost?
Plugs can be ordered at refrigerator repair service centers or found in hardware stores for household appliances. As a last resort, you can use universal plastic plugs of a suitable diameter, selecting them by color.
Does re-hanging the door affect the warranty?
Independently re-hanging the door, as provided for by the design, usually does not void the warranty if you have not damaged the equipment in the process. However, if when removing the hinges you break the threads or break the plastic, this case will not be recognized as a warranty case. Proceed with caution.