Changing the kitchen layout or purchasing New furniture is often dictated by its terms, forcing one to think about how to change the door of a refrigerator to the other side. This procedure allows you to adapt the arrangement of household appliances to new ergonomic conditions, providing convenient access to the shelves. In most modern models, manufacturers initially provide this possibility, equipping the unit with additional plugs and fasteners.
However, the process of rehanging is not always trivial, especially when it comes to older models or devices with a complex system No Frost. Incorrect actions can lead to damage to the seal, skewing of the canvas, or even failure of the condensate drainage system. Therefore, before starting work, you need to carefully study the design of your device and prepare the appropriate tool.
In this guide, we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions for various types of refrigerators, paying special attention to the nuances of dismantling and subsequent adjustment. You will learn what tools are needed, how to avoid common mistakes and what to do if the kit does not include the necessary plugs.
Preparation of tools and workspace
Before you begin dismantling, you need to clear the space around the refrigerator. You will need free access to the unit from all sides, since the door will have to be removed completely and set aside. Remove all food from the door shelves to reduce its weight and prevent heavy objects from falling during operation.
You will need a basic DIY kit to complete the task. The main tool will be screwdriver or a set of screwdrivers with different types of bits (phillips and flat). You may also need wrenches or sockets if the hinges are secured with hex bolts.
- 🔧 A set of screwdrivers (phillips, flat) or a screwdriver with bits.
- 🔑 Wrenches or socket heads (often 8 mm or 10 mm).
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal edges.
- 📦 A container for folding small parts so that they do not get lost.
It is important to have a soft cloth or cardboard on hand on which you can put the removed door. This will prevent scratches on the decorative surface and protect the floor from damage. If the refrigerator model is heavy, it is better to work with two people to safely hold the door leaf when unscrewing the hinges.
⚠️ Attention: Some refrigerator models have hinges that require a specific size of keys. Check the type of fasteners in advance so as not to tear off the edges of the bolts during dismantling.
☑️ Preparation for rehanging
Analysis of the structure and search for hidden elements
Before unscrewing the first bolts, carefully inspect the hinge attachment points. Manufacturers often hide fasteners under decorative plugs or plastic covers. These elements can be located at the top and bottom of the door leaf, as well as at the end of the body.
Remove the top decorative panel, if present. In some models, for example, in the series Indesit or Stinol, the upper loop is hidden under it. Carefully pry off the plug with a flathead screwdriver, being careful not to damage the plastic. If the door has a handle secured with through bolts, they may also need to be unscrewed or loosened.
Pay attention to the control system. If the temperature buttons or display are located on the door, you will need to carefully disconnect the wire cable. On electronically controlled models, this is a critical step that requires increased caution.
Inspect the sides of the refrigerator. On the opposite side, where you plan to hang the door, there should be factory holes closed with plastic plugs. If there are none, perhaps your model does not provide for re-hanging, or the holes are hidden under a layer of decorative film.
What to do if there are no plugs on the back side?
If there are no holes on the back of the case or they do not coincide with the hinges, perhaps this refrigerator model is monoblock and is not intended for re-hanging. Attempting to drill new holes may compromise the seal of the circuit and cause refrigerant to escape. In such cases, it is recommended to leave the door as is or contact the manufacturer’s service center for advice.
Door dismantling: step-by-step algorithm
The door removal process begins with the top hinge. This is an axiom, since it is this that holds the main weight of the canvas. After you have removed the decorative trim and freed access to the bolts, carefully unscrew them, holding the door with your other hand or asking an assistant.
After removing the top hinge, the door rises up and is removed from the bottom axis. If you have a two-compartment refrigerator with a bottom freezer, then first remove the top door of the refrigerator compartment, then the bottom one. In Side-by-Side models, the sequence may differ, but the principle remains the same: first the upper fastening elements.
If a magnetic lock or opening sensor is installed on the door, it must be carefully disconnected. The wires usually run inside the door body and exit through a special hole in or near the hinge. Do not pull the wires sharply, so as not to damage the contacts.
The removed door should be immediately put in a safe place, preferably resting against the wall on a soft pad. Now you can start moving the fittings to the opposite side.
| Refrigerator type | Dismantling features | Required tools | Disassembly time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-chamber | One door, simple design | Phillips screwdriver | 10-15 min |
| Two-chamber (bottom freezer) | Two doors, possible jumper | Wrench 8-10 mm, screwdriver | 20-30 min |
| Side-by-Side | Complex hinge system, heavy weight | Set of heads, assistant | 40-60 min |
| With a display on the door | Presence of a cable loop | Pliers, screwdriver | 30-45 min |
Carefully follow the order of unscrewing the bolts so as not to disrupt the geometry of the body.
Rearranging fittings and hinges
Now that the door is removed, you need to rearrange the handle and hinges to the other side. The handle is usually attached to two or four screws on the inside of the door. Unscrew them, remove the handle and install on the opposite side using pre-prepared holes.
If the new holes are not threaded or are closed with plugs, install the bushings provided by the manufacturer. The loops are also transferred to the other side. The top hinge is often asymmetrical, so make sure it is installed with the correct side up.
Pay special attention to the bottom hinge pin. In some models, it must be removed from the case and inserted into a symmetrical hole on the other side. To do this, you may need to knock out the pin with a light blow of a hammer through a drift or simply unscrew it if it has a thread.
- 🔄 Remove the handle from the door and move it to the new side.
- 🔩 Transfer the top and bottom hinges to the opposite end.
- 🕳️ Install the plugs in the vacated holes on the previous side.
- 🔌 If there is a door sensor, move it to the new slot.
Don't forget about the plastic plugs. Those holes that are now free (where the hinges were previously attached) need to be closed with the decorative covers included in the kit. This will give the refrigerator an aesthetic appearance and protect the metal from corrosion.
⚠️ Attention: When moving the lower support pin, make sure that it is fully seated. Insufficient seating depth can lead to door skew and poor seal fit.
Door installation and fit adjustment
After all the elements have been rearranged, you can put the door in place. Slide the bottom door hinge onto the installed pin, then line up the top and screw the top hinge to the frame. Do not tighten the bolts “all the way” right away - leave a small gap for final adjustment.
Now you need to check how the door closes. It should fit snugly around the entire perimeter of the body. If you notice gaps or a loose fit, you will need height adjustment. To do this, adjusting bolts on the bottom hinge or spacers under the top are often used.
Check the operation of the magnetic lock and latch. The door should open easily, but close with a characteristic bang. If the door opens on its own or, conversely, requires force to close, check that the refrigerator itself is installed horizontally.
Often the problem lies not in the hinges, but in the legs of the refrigerator. If the floor is uneven, the body warps and the door warps along with it. Use a building level and adjustable supports at the bottom of the body for leveling.
Nuances for models with the No Frost system and display
Owners of modern refrigerators with the system No Frost and electronic control you need to be especially careful. In such models, a wiring harness often passes through the top hinge, connecting the control board to the sensors and display on the door.
When dismantling, you must carefully disconnect the connectors. They can have various latches: from simple latches to rotating mechanisms. Do not pull on the wires, only hold on to the plastic parts of the connectors.
When reassembling, make sure that the wires are not pinched between the metal parts of the loop and the body. This can lead to insulation chafing, short circuits and electronic failure. The wires should lie freely, but without sagging.
In some models LG or Samsung after rehanging, you may need to reset errors or calibrate the door sensor through the service menu. If after installation the refrigerator behaves strangely (the light does not light up, the display does not work), check the reliability of the cable connection.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to rehang the door if the kit does not include plugs?
Yes, you can, but the holes will remain visible. You can order a set of plugs from the manufacturer or pick up universal ones at a hardware store. Also, some craftsmen use furniture plugs of a suitable color, although this may look less aesthetically pleasing.
Why does the door not close completely after rehanging?
Most likely, the geometry of the installation is broken. Check if the refrigerator is level on the floor. If this is ok, try loosening the top hinge bolts, pressing the door tightly against the body and tightening them again. Also check if anything is blocking the seal.
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging?
Full defrosting is not necessary if you work quickly. However, if you are planning long-term work or washing the seal, it is better to disconnect the device from the mains and allow the ice to melt so that water does not get on the electrical contacts.
Does re-hanging the door affect the warranty?
According to the law, independent replacement of the door opening side provided by the design should not void guarantee. However, if in the process you damage the case, break the glass or cut the wires, the warranty case will not be recognized. Keep all removed parts.
What to do if the hinge bolts are rusty?
Do not use excessive force to avoid stripping the threads. Treat the joints with a penetrating lubricant (such as WD-40) and leave for 15-20 minutes. After this, try to carefully remove the bolts. If that doesn’t work, it’s better to call a technician so as not to break the hinge.