Rearranging furniture or remodeling the kitchen often poses an unexpected challenge to owners of household appliances: refrigerator finds itself in a corner where it is simply impossible to open it in the usual way. The door rests against the wall, preventing access to the shelves, or blocks the passage in a narrow kitchen. In such a situation, the only rational solution is to change the opening side of the doors.
Many users mistakenly believe that this is a complex procedure that requires calling a specialist, but in reality rehanging doors it is an operation accessible to anyone with a basic set of tools. The main thing here is accuracy, understanding of the structure of the hinges and strict adherence to the sequence of actions so as not to damage facade or the sealing system.
In this article we will analyze in detail the process of dismantling and installing elements on the new side, paying attention to the nuances which are often missed in a hurry. You will learn how to properly prepare unit, what tools you will need and what to pay special attention to when working with modern models equipped with electronics.
Preparation of the workplace and the necessary tools
Before starting active actions, it is necessary to ensure safe conditions work. A refrigerator is a heavy and bulky item, so its stability is key. Move the equipment away from the wall, providing free access from all sides, and make sure that the floor underneath is level and dry.
To perform the work, you will need a minimum set of home craftsman, which is usually found in every home. However, using unsuitable tools can lead to breakage of the edges of the bolts or damage to the plastic plugs, so it is better to prepare in advance.
- 🔧 A set of screwdrivers (phillips and flat) for removing fasteners.
- 🔩 Wrenches or sockets (most often sizes 8, 10 mm).
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal edges.
- 🧱 A stand or stepladder to secure the door in the open position.
It is important to immediately clear the door shelves from heavy foods and bottles. This will not only lighten the design, reducing the load on the hinges at the time of unscrewing, but will also prevent the dishes from breaking during accidental sudden movement.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. Unplug the plug from the socket to eliminate the risk of a short circuit if the backlight wires or sensors are accidentally damaged.
If your model has a display or control panel on the door, make sure that the connecting cables are long enough to maneuver when rearranging. In some cases, the help of a second person may be required to carefully hold the heavy sash.
Removing the top hinge and removing the door
The process always starts from the top of the structure, since that is where the main support mechanism is located. Remove the decorative plug that usually hides the mounting bolts. It can be made in the form of a plastic cover or simply be part of the handle design.
Use a suitable screwdriver to remove the mounting bolts. Do not apply excessive force if the bolt does not fit - the thread may be soured, and it is better to carefully treat the connection with penetrating lubricant. After loosening the fasteners, the top hinge is removed.
Now the most crucial moment is removing the door itself. Since the lower axis is still fixed, the sash will rest on it, but without the upper fixation it becomes unstable. Carefully lift the door (it can weigh from 15 to 30 kg) and remove it from the bottom pin.
☑️ Check before removal
Put the removed door in a safe place, placing it on a soft surface face up so as not to scratch the coating. If you have a two-chamber refrigerator with a common partition, the procedure will need to be repeated for the lower door, having first removed the middle crossbar.
When working with models Side-by-Side or French doors, the procedure may differ, but the principle remains the same: first, the upper attachment point is released. Be careful with the wires if they pass inside the canvas.
Rearranging the fittings elements
After successful dismantling, it is necessary to rearrange the fasteners to the opposite side. At the end of the door you will see a row of holes: some of them were used, and some were closed with plugs. Your task is to swap them.
Unscrew the plugs from the new seats and install them in the old holes to maintain an aesthetic appearance. Then transfer the mating parts of the hinges and pins to the other side of the body and door leaf.
| Element | Action | Nuance |
|---|---|---|
| Upper hinge | Move to another side | Watch the orientation |
| Bottom pin | Unscrew and screw in opposite | Do not lose the O-ring |
| Stoppers | Move to free sockets | Needed to fix the angle |
| Plugs | Swap | To preserve the design |
Pay special attention sealing rubber. With prolonged use, it could become deformed, taking the shape of a closed door. When turning over, the old deformation may interfere with a tight fit, so it is better to warm the rubber with a hairdryer or give it time to straighten.
What to do if the holes do not match?
In some budget or specific models, holes for hinges can be drilled only on one side. In this case, independent re-hanging is impossible without drilling new metal, which will violate the warranty and thermal insulation. Check the instructions manufacturer manual.
If there is a handle installed on the door that also needs to be rearranged, proceed as carefully as possible. The plastic of old handles can be brittle, and one wrong move will result in a crack. It is better to slightly warm up the fastening points first.
Installing the door on the new side
Now that all the elements are prepared, you can begin installation. Install the bottom support pin in its new location, making sure it is screwed in all the way and sits perfectly vertical. This is the foundation on which the entire structure will stand.
Place the door onto the lower axis. Here again you will need an assistant or a reliable stand, since it is extremely difficult to hold a heavy metal door with one hand and at the same time get into the holes for the top bolts.
Align the door with the body of the refrigerator. The gaps between the door and the wall of the housing must be the same throughout the entire height. If there is a misalignment, adjust the position by tightening the lower support or loosening the upper bolts.
Secure the top hinge with bolts, but do not tighten them completely “tight” yet. Leave a little play so that you can make final adjustments to the sash position after complete assembly. Only after making sure that the installation is correct can you finally tighten the fasteners.
⚠️ Attention: When installing, make sure that the sensor and backlight wires are not pinched or twisted. They should lie freely in the channels intended for them.
Adjusting gaps and tightness
The final stage is checking the quality of the work performed. The door should open smoothly, without creaking or jamming, and close with a characteristic bang, ensuring the chamber is sealed. Check the operation of the magnetic lock around the entire perimeter.
If you notice that the door does not fit tightly, you may need to adjust the height of the legs of the refrigerator itself. Tilt of the body back promotes self-closing of the door under the influence of gravity.
- 📏 Check the gaps between the door and the body - they should be uniform.
- 🧲 Make sure that the magnets operate along the entire length of the seal.
- 🚪 Check the operation of the closers (if your model has them).
- 🌡️ After turning on, check the temperature in the chamber after a few hours.
Sometimes after rehanging it takes time for the seal to “sit” in a new place. If after a day you notice that the chamber has become warmer or condensation has appeared on the walls, try tightening the hinges again or leveling the refrigerator.
Frequent errors and troubleshooting
In the process of work, beginners often make typical mistakes that can negate all efforts. For example, the loss of small fastener parts or the confusion of left and right hinges, which may look symmetrical, but have structural differences.
One of the common problems is damage to the threads in the plastic body of the refrigerator. To avoid this, never use excessive force when tightening the bolts and always hit the existing hole strictly.
If after installation the door opens by itself or, conversely, does not close completely, check the angle of inclination of the entire unit. Also make sure that you have correctly installed the stoppers that limit the opening angle.
⚠️ Attention: If you feel that you cannot cope with the weight of the door or are afraid of damaging complex mechanisms, it is better to contact a service center. Repairing dents or replacing broken glass will cost more than the services of a specialist.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to rehang a door if there is a display on it?
Yes, it is possible, but this requires more caution. You will have to carefully disconnect the cables going to the control panel. Before disconnecting, it is advisable to take a photo of the connection diagram in order to put everything back together correctly.
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before re-hanging 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 turn off the unit in advance so that water does not flow when tilting or removing the doors.
What should you do if, after rehanging, there is still excess noise when closing?
Noise may occur due to friction of the seal against the body. Check to see if the rubber is wrinkled. Also make sure that the bottles on the door shelves do not touch the inner walls of the refrigerator when slamming shut.
Will the warranty still apply after re-hanging it yourself?
In most cases, if you have not damaged the body or broken the hinges, the warranty will still apply. However, if in the process you break the thread or break the glass, the service center may refuse free repairs.