How to move the refrigerator door to the other side: instructions with photos and expert advice

Hanging the refrigerator door to the opposite side is a task that almost every owner faces sooner or later. The reasons may be different: inconvenient location in the kitchen, change of layout, purchase of used equipment with the “wrong” opening side, or even a banal desire to update the interior. Fortunately, most modern models support this function, and the process does not require calling a wizard. Samsung, LG, Indesit, Atlant And Beko support this function, and the process does not require calling a wizard.

In this article you will find video guides for popular brands, a compatibility table for tools, etc. data-i="53">, which cannot be found in standard manuals. For example, how to deal with the problem of the door being skewed after rehanging or what to do if the fasteners do not match the holes on the other side. We will also look at in which cases it is better step-by-step instructions with photos, video guides for popular brands, tool compatibility table and unique life hacks, which you will not find in standard manuals. For example, how to deal with the problem of the door being skewed after rehanging or what to do if the fasteners do not match the holes on the other side. We’ll also figure out in what cases it’s better not risk and to entrust the work to a professional - this applies to models with electronic control or a system No Frost.

Before you begin, check: does your refrigerator really support overhang? Usually this is indicated in the instructions (section "Installation" or "Installation"), and on the case there are plugs on the opposite side -the hinges will be attached under them. If they are not there, alas, the design does not provide for changing the opening side.

1. Preparation: tools and safety

For work you will need:

• 🔧 Phillips screwdriver (most often size PH2) or hexagon (for some models Bosch and Siemens)
• 🔨 Wrench (usually 10 mm, but check the instructions)
• 📏 Level (laser or bubble) to check the evenness of the installation
• 🧲 Magnet or tape for fixing the screws (so as not to get lost!)
• 🧴 Silicone grease (for example, WD-40 Specialist) for hinges
• 🧻 Soft fabric or towel for protection floor and body

⚠️ Attention: If your refrigerator is connected to a water supply (models with ice maker or water dispenser), be sure to turn off the water and disconnect the hoses before starting work. Otherwise, you risk flooding the kitchen or damaging the electronics.

Also note:

• 🔌 Unplug the refrigerator 1-2 hours before the start - this is necessary not only for safety, but also so that the sealing rubber bands “rest” and are easier to remove.
• 🧊 Defreeze both chambersif they are covered with ice, otherwise the door will be heavier and more difficult to remove.
• 📦 Free up space around the refrigerator. - you will need at least 1 meter on the side where you will rehang.

2. Removing the old door: step-by-step process

Let's start with the top hinge - it usually fixes the main load. Act carefully so as not to damage the fastenings:

1. Remove decorative plugs from the hinges (they are simply snapped out with a screwdriver or a knife. Under them you will see the mounting bolts.

2. Unscrew top hinge -usually 2-3 bolts. Hold the door so that it does not fall! It is better to work with an assistant.

3. Carefully lift the door up and remove it from the bottom hinge. If it is tight, check if the sealing rubber is in the way.

4. Unscrew lower hinge and remove it. Pay attention to adjusting washers —they need to be moved to the new side in the same order!

💡 Tip: If the door is “stuck” and cannot be removed, do not pull it by force. rock from side to side or apply WD-40 to the hinges. As a last resort, you can pry it off with a flat screwdriver, but be careful not to scratch the body.

⚠️ Attention: For models with display on the door (for example Samsung Family Hub) there are wires running inside the hinge. Do not pull the door sharply - first disconnect the connectors! Usually they are fixed with plastic latches.

What to do if the bolts do not unscrew?

If the bolts are “stuck” or the threads are broken, try:

- Heat them with a hairdryer (do not overheat the plastic!).

- Use an extractor for broken bolts.

- Carefully drill a hole and cut a new thread (only for experienced ones!).

3. Transfer the fastenings to the other side

Now you need to move the hinges and the handle to the opposite side:

Step 1. Install the hinges. Take it. hinges that were removed earlier and attach them to the holes on the other side of the case. Usually they are symmetrical, but on some models (for example LG Door-in-Door) the upper and lower hinges are different - do not confuse them!

Step 2. Move the handle. If the handle is removable (like y Atlant or Biryusa, simply unscrew it and move it to the other side. If the handle is built-in (for example, y Samsung RB), you will have to remove the decorative door panel - it is attached with latches or bolts from the inside.

Step 3. Check the seal. The elastic band should fit evenly around the entire perimeter. If it is deformed on the old side, you can try turn it over (for some models this is allowed) or buy a new one (the article number is usually indicated in the instructions).

4. Install the door in a new place

This is the most critical stage:

1. Place the door onto the lower hinge. Make sure that it sits evenly and is not warped. If it is tight, check if the seal or decorative elements are in the way.

2. Secure the upper hinge. Do not tighten the bolts to the end - first you need to adjust the position of the door.

3. Check the gaps. Between the door and the body there should be a uniform gap of 2–3 mm around the entire perimeter. If there is a larger gap somewhere, adjust the hinges.

4. Tighten all bolts. Start with the bottom hinge, then the top. Use a torque wrench (if available) - do not overtighten!

⚠️ Attention: If after installation the door opens on its own (does not stay closed), the problem is magnetic seal. Try:

• 🔧 Adjust the hinges (sometimes an offset of 1-2 mm helps).
• 🧲 Warm up the seal with a hair dryer (temperature no higher than 50°C!).
• 🛠 Replace the magnetic tape (if the rubber band is old).

💡 Life hack: To make the door close smoother, apply silicone grease to the hinges (do not use oils - they collect dust!).

5. Adjusting and checking tightness

Even if the door is visually level, this does not guarantee tightness. Carry out the tests:

Test 1. Checking the gaps. Take a flashlight, put it inside the refrigerator and turn off the lights in the kitchen. If gaps are visible, the seal does not fit tightly. Most often the problem is in the corners.

Test 2. Paper test. Close the door, first placing a strip of paper (5 cm wide) between the seal and the body. Try to pull it out. Normal: the paper comes out with force. If it pulls out easily, adjustment is needed.

Test 3. Condensation. After turning on the refrigerator, check to see if condensation appears on the seal or body. If yes, the tightness is broken.

🔧 How to adjust:

• 🔩 Upper hinge: responsible for the tilt of the door (if it tilts forward or backward).
• 🔧 Bottom hinge: adjusts the height (if the door clings to the body).
• 📐 Middle fastenings: some models (for example, Liebherr) have additional bolts for horizontal adjustment.

⚠️ Attention: For refrigerators with No Frost system loose door fit leads to evaporator freezing fan failure. If after adjustment the problem remains, contact the service.

6. Features for different models

Not all refrigerators weigh the same. Here are the key differences:

🔹 Samsung (RB, RT, RL series):

• For models with Family Hub you need to disconnect the display connector (it is located under the top hinge).
• The handle is mounted on hidden bolts - remove to access decorative panel.

🔹 LG (GA, GC, GR series):

• The upper and lower hinges are not interchangeable - do not confuse them during installation!
• For models with Door-in-Door the inner door is removed separately.

🔹 Indesit, Atlant, Biryusa:

• The hinges are secured with standard bolts, but often there is no height adjustment - you will have to put washers.
• The seal can be turned over if it symmetrical.

🔹 Bosch, Siemens:

• Use hexagons or Torx - prepare the tool in advance.
• The magnetic seal requires obligatory rearrangement to the new side.

🔹 Beko, Vestfrost:

• The lower hinge often has height adjustment (bolt on the side).
• For models with zones freshness check if the internal shelf is in the way when opening.

What to do if the model does not support overhanging?

If the case does not have holes for hinges on the other side, you can:

- Buy universal set of hinges (for example, for Atlant or Stinol).

- Order mirror door from the manufacturer (expensive, but reliably).

- Use magnetic stopsso that the door opens 90° (inconvenient, but better than nothing).

7. Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes:

❌ Error 1: Incorrect procedure for removing the door.

If you unscrew the bottom hinge first, the door may fall and damage the hinges or the body. Always start from the top!

❌ Error 2: Loss of the adjusting washers.

The washers under the hinges are responsible for the correct position of the door. If they are lost or mixed up, the door will be warped. Take a photo of their location before removing!

❌ Error 3: Overtightening the bolts.

This leads to deformation of the hinges or stripping the threads. Tighten the bolts crosswise (like the wheels of a car) and do not apply excessive force efforts.

❌ Error 4: Ignoring the seal.

If the sealing rubber is worn out, it will be damaged must be replacedOtherwise the refrigerator will wear out and appear on the walls. ice.

❌ Error 5: Unchecked tightness.

Many people forget to check whether the door closes tightly after rehanging. Use a paper test!

💡 Tip: If, after re-hanging, the refrigerator begins to operate louder, check whether the door touches the frame when opening. Sometimes it is enough to tighten the hinges.

8. When is it better to call a specialist?

You can’t solve all cases yourself. if:

• 🔧 On the case no holes for hinges on the other side (drilling will be required).
• ⚡ Refrigerator with electronic control and display on door (risk of damaging the wiring).
• ❄️ Model with No Frost system —incorrect hanging can disrupt air circulation.
• 🔨 Hinges or seal damaged (parts need to be replaced).
• 📉 After rehanging condensation has appeared or ice on the walls.

⚠️ Attention: If your refrigerator is under warranty, re-hanging the door yourself may void the warrantyCheck this with the service center before starting work.

Cost of re-hanging the door in the service:

• 💰 Single-chamber refrigerator: 1 500–2 500 ₽.
• 💰 Double-chamber: 2 000–3 500 ₽.
• 💰 Models with a display/ice maker: 3 000–5 000 ₽.

📌 Conclusion: Reversing the door is a task of average complexity, which most users can do. The main thing is to take your time, follow the instructions and take into account the features of your model. If in doubt, it is better to spend money on a specialist than to risk expensive repairs.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

❓ Is it possible to hang the door of a refrigerator with a freezer separately?

Yes, but the process is more complicated. In two-chamber models (Samsung RL, LG GC) the freezer usually has separate hinges. They also need to be removed, rearranged and adjusted. The main thing is not to mix up the hinges, as they may differ in size.

❓ What to do if the door does not close after rehanging. tightly?

The reasons may be different:

• 🔧 Incorrect adjustment of the hinges - tighten them.
• 🧲 Worn seal - replace it.
• 📏 Case distortion —check the floor level.

If all else fails, the magnetic tape inside the seal may have been damaged during installation.

❓ Do I need to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging?

It is desirable, but not necessary. If there is ice on the walls, it will add weight to the door, and it will be more difficult to remove it. In addition, when adjusting, the hinges may shift due to uneven load. For No Frost defrosting is not required, but it is still worth disconnecting from the network for 1-2 hours.

❓ Is it possible to reverse the door on a refrigerator with an ice maker?

Yes, but it is more difficult due to the water supply. Before work:

1. Turn off the water.
2. Disconnect the hoses.
3. Drain the water from the system (usually there is a special valve).

For models Samsung RS or LG Instaview The water filter may need to be moved.

❓ How long does re-hanging take?

On average - 1–2 hoursif everything goes smoothly. What takes the longest is adjustment and checking for tightness. For beginners, the process can take 3–4 hours, especially if you have to look for tools or correct errors.