Re-hanging the refrigerator door Stinol is a task that sooner or later every owner of this equipment faces. The reasons may be different: moving, remodeling the kitchen, inconvenient opening due to furniture, or simply the desire to optimize the space. Fortunately, the manufacturer has provided the ability to change the door opening side on most models, but the process requires accuracy and knowledge of key nuances.
In this article we will analyze step-by-step instructions with photos, list the necessary tools, talk about typical mistakes and give tips on how to avoid damage to the seal or hinges. We will pay special attention to models Stinol 101/103/107 and two-chamber refrigerators, where the algorithm may differ. If you have never done such work, don’t worry: with the right approach, the process will take no more than 1-1.5 hours.
Before you begin, please note: incorrect rehanging can lead to door misalignment, tightness violation or even breakage of the hinges. Therefore, carefully follow the instructions and do not skip the check steps.
Single-chamber|Double-chamber|Side-by-Side|I don’t know the model|Other brand-->
1. Preparation: tools and conditions
Before hanging the door, prepare everything you need. Without the right tools, you risk damaging fasteners or plastic parts.
Required kit:
- 🔧 Phillips screwdriver (PH2) - for most hinge screws
- 🔧 5 mm hex - for some models (for example Stinol 110)
- 🔧 10 mm wrench - for the lower hinge nut
- 📏 Ruler or square - to check the vertical
- 🧴 Silicone grease - for processing the seal after rehanging
- 🧲 Magnet or telescopic gripper - to avoid losing screws in hard-to-reach places
You will also need a clean cloth, a marker for making notes and an assistant - holding the door when dismantling it alone is inconvenient. Work in a well-lit place, having first unplugged the refrigerator and defrosted it (if required).
⚠️ Attention: On models Stinol with electronic control (display on the door) before re-hanging required turn off the power for 10-15 minutes. This will reset the settings and prevent sensor errors after changing the door position.
If your refrigerator is under warranty, check the service conditions Some dealers believe. re-hanging the door non-warranty caseif it leads to breakage.
Is the refrigerator unplugged from the outlet?|Is there an assistant to support the door?|Are all the tools prepared?|Are the fasteners photographed before dismantling?-->
2. Design features of Stinol refrigerators
Refrigerators Stinol (especially the 100 and 200 series models) have a unified door fastening system, but there are important differences:
Single-chamber models (for example, Stinol 101):
— The door is attached to 2 hinges (upper and lower).
— The upper hinge is usually fixed with screws, the lower one with a screw + nut.
— The seal is removable, but if dismantled carelessly it can deform.
Two-chamber models (for example, Stinol 204):
— Two doors (refrigerator and freezer), each on separate hinges.
— The freezer door often has an additional lock at the bottom.
— The hinges can be asymmetric —they cannot simply be swapped!
Side-by-Side (for example, Stinol 300):
— The hinges are hidden, under decorative panels.
— It is necessary to dismantle the top cover of the refrigerator.
— The weight of the doors is greater - you cannot do without an assistant.
On all models after 2010, they are used self-tapping screws with anti-corrosion coatingWhen re-tightening, do not apply excessive force - this may break the thread.
| Model | Hinge type | Number of fastening points | Do I need to remove the top cover? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stinol 101/103 | Open, symmetrical | 4 (2 for each hinge) | No |
| Stinol 204/207 | Asymmetrical (top/bottom are different) | 6 (3 per door) | No |
| Stinol 300 (Side-by-Side) | Hidden, under the panel | 8 (4 per side) | Yes |
| Stinol 110/116 | Half-hidden, with decorative plugs | 5 (2 + 3) | Partially |
How to determine the model of your refrigerator?
The model is indicated on a sticker inside the refrigerator compartment (usually on the left wall) or on the back wall of the case. Designation format: Stinol XXX/XXX, where the first numbers are the series, the second are the modification. For example, Stinol 103/200 is a single-chamber refrigerator of the 103rd series.
3. Step-by-step instructions: removing the old door
Let's start with dismantling. This stage is critical - if the hinges or fastenings are damaged, you won't be able to hang the new door.
Step 1. Removing the decorative plugs
On most models the hinges are closed with plastic plugs. Pry them off with a flat screwdriver (be careful not to break them!). You will see screws under the plugs.
Step 2. Removing the top hinge
- Hold the door (preferably with an assistant).
- Unscrew the 2 Phillips screws. with a screwdriver.
- Remove the upper part of the hinge from the door.
Step 3. Assembling the lower hinge
This is more complicated: the lower hinge is usually fixed with a screw + nut. First unscrew the screw with a screwdriver, then hold the nut with a wrench. 10 mm, tightening the screw to the end. Carefully remove the door, lifting it up.
⚠️ Attention: On models Stinol 204 and similar ones, the freezer door has additional pin in the bottom hinge. Do not pull the door towards you - first pull out the pin. pliers!Step 4. Transferring the hinges to the other side
On the refrigerator body you will see mirrored holes for the hinges on the other side (they are closed with plugs). data-i="130">! On the asymmetrical hinges there are marks without confusing the top with the bottom! There are marks on the asymmetrical hinges
L(left) andR(right).If there are no holes, your model does not support re-hanging In this case! you will need to order a set of hinges for the other side (the article is indicated in the instructions).
4. Installing the door. to the new side
Now we move on to the most important stage - installing the door on the opposite side. Here it is important to follow the sequence and control the gaps.
Step 1. Attaching the hinges to the body
- 🔧 Secure lower hinge on on the new side (tighten the nut with a wrench, but without fanaticism).
- 🔧 Install top hingewithout tightening the screws to the end - the door should “play” for adjustment.
Step 2. Hanging the door
Carefully place the door on the lower hinge, then align it with the upper one. Make sure that the door not skewed if it touches the body, loosen the screws and adjust the position.
Step 3. Adjusting the gaps
The ideal gap between the door and the body is
2-3 mmyou can check it with a sheet of paper:
- Insert the sheet between the seal and the body.
- Close the door.
- Pull the sheet - it should come out with light force.
If the sheet falls out or does not stretch, adjust hinges.
Step 4. Tightening the fasteners
After adjustment, tighten all the screws crosswise (first the upper ones, then the lower ones). Use a torque wrench with force
1.5-2 Nmto avoid stripping the thread.5. Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Even with careful work, you can make mistakes that will lead to problems. Here are the most common of them:
1. Overtightened hinge screws
Symptoms: the door is difficult to open, over time the screws break.
Solution: Loosen the fasteners and tighten with the correct force (
1.5-2 N m).2. Mismatch holes for the pin
Symptoms: the door does not lock in the closed position, “walks.”
Solution: Check that the lower hinge pin (on models Stinol 200 series) is in the groove. If necessary, sharpen the hole with a file.
3. Damaged seal
Symptoms: ice on the walls, the refrigerator works without stopping.
Solution: Warm the seal with a hairdryer (
50-60°C) and restore the shape. In severe cases - replacement.4. Incorrect assembly sequence
Symptoms: the door is skewed and does not close.
Solution: Remove the door and repeat installation, starting from the bottom hinge.
5. Ignoring plugs
Symptoms: old holes are visible, hinges are loose.
Solution: Install the plugs from the kit or order new ones (the article number is usually indicated in the instructions).
If after re-installation the refrigerator begins to make noise or does not cool well, check:
- 🔊 Vibration level —the compressor fastenings may be loose.
- ❄️ Temperature in the chambers —a leaky door leads to overheating.
- 🔌 Power —on models with the display may cause the sensors to be calibrated.
6. Additional settings after re-hanging
Re-hanging the door is only half the battle. For the refrigerator to work correctly, you will need to perform several additional steps.
1. (for models with electronic control)
On refrigerators Stinol with a display (Stinol 200 EL, 300 EL), after changing the door position, the temperature readings may be lost. To reset:
- Unplug the refrigerator for 15 minutes.
- Turn on and press
Mode + Temp ↑simultaneously for 5 seconds.- Wait for the sound signal - calibration is completed.
2. tightness
After installing the door, carry out a test:
- Place a flashlight inside the refrigerator.
- Close the door and turn off the light in the room.
- If the light is visible, the seal does not fit. Adjust the hinges or replace. rubber band.
3. Lubricating the seal
The new seal (or the old one after dismantling) may stick to the body. Treat it silicone grease (do not use oils!). Apply a thin layer to a clean, dry rubber band.
4. Adjusting the legs
If the refrigerator is not level, the door may open spontaneously. Adjust the legs so that the body is strictly vertical (check with a level).
⚠️ Attention: On models Stinol with the system No Frost after re-hanging the door, the operating time of the fan may temporarily increase. This is normal - the system adapts to the new position of the door within 1-2 days.7. When is it better to contact a specialist?
Despite the apparent simplicity, there is. situations when it is better to entrust the re-hanging of the door to a professional:
1. There are no holes for the hinges on the other side.
If your model does not provide for re-hanging (for example, some Stinol 500 series), you will need to drill the body. Without experience, this can cause damage to the freon circuit.
2. The threads in the hinges are damaged
If the threads are torn off during dismantling, the technician will restore it using thread inserts or replace the hinges.
3. Refrigerator with system Full No Frost and electronic unit
Type models have complex electronics. Incorrect re-installation can lead to errors. Stinol 300 EL have complex electronics. Incorrect re-hanging can lead to errors
E1orE2(sensor malfunction).4. After installation, the door “walks” or does not lock
This is a sign of wear on the hinges or deformation of the body. geometry and, if necessary, install reinforced hinges.
The cost of re-hanging a door in a service center is from
1500 to 3000 rubles(depending on the model), it is better to pay for the work than risk expensive repairs.FAQ: Frequently asked questions about rehanging the Stinol door
Is it possible to rehang the door on the Stinol 101 refrigerator without an assistant?
Technically, yes, but it is extremely inconvenient. weighs
8-12 kg, and it is difficult to hold it with one hand while tightening the screws. The risk of dropping the door or damaging the hinges is high. If there is no assistant, use belts. tiesto hang the door from the top of the refrigerator during installation.What to do if after re-hanging the door does not close tightly?
The reasons may be different:
- Distortion of the hinges — loosen the screws and adjust the position of the door.
- Deformed seal — warm it up with a hairdryer or replace it.
- Ingress of debris —check if something is preventing the closure (for example, pieces of cling film).
If the problem remains, check magnetic tape in the seal. Over time, it loses its properties.
Is it necessary to defrost the refrigerator before re-hanging?
For models without No Frost (drip system) defrosting is required - otherwise condensation will get on the electrical contacts. No Frost It is enough to turn off the refrigerator for 1-2 hours so that the fan stops!
Where to get plugs for the holes after re-hanging?
Plugs are usually included with the refrigerator (in a package with documentation). If lost, you can order them from an official dealer Stinol (the article number is indicated in the instructions) or pick up universal plugs in spare parts stores. Plugs with a diameter of
8-10 mm.Is it possible to re-hang only the top door on a two-chamber refrigerator?
Technically, yes, but this not recommendedThe doors are weight-balanced, and if you only re-hang the top one, the bottom one may begin to sag. In addition, the freezer usually has an additional lock, which will also need to be moved. re-hanging both doors at the same time.