The need to change the opening direction of the refrigerator door often arises when moving or remodeling the kitchen. Standard configuration, in which the handle is on the right, is not suitable for all interiors, especially in narrow rooms. The reweighing procedure allows you to adapt household appliances to new operating conditions without calling a technician.
In most modern models, manufacturers provide the option reverse opening. This design solution makes life easier for users by allowing the hinges and magnetic seal to be moved to the opposite side. However, the process requires care, since locking mechanism and the latches may differ depending on the brand.
Before starting work, it is important to make sure that your model supports this option. Some budget options or specific built-in refrigerators may have fixed fastenings that do not allow dismantling. If the technical documentation confirms the possibility of changing the weight, you can begin preparing tools and turning off the power supply for safety.
Preparation of tools and workplace
Quality execution work directly depends on the availability of suitable a set of tools. You won't need fancy industrial equipment, but regular household appliances may not be able to handle factory-tightened bolts. It is recommended to collect everything you need in advance so as not to interrupt the process of searching for a screwdriver.
The main tool will be screwdriver or a set of screwdrivers with different attachments. Phillips PH2 bits are often used, but some models also feature hex or Torx star bolts. Also useful wrench of appropriate size for dismantling decorative plugs.
- 🛠️ Set of screwdrivers (phillips and flat) for different types of screws.
- 🔧 Wrench or socket with ratchet (usually 8-10 mm).
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges.
- 📏 Level or ruler to check the symmetry of the installation.
⚠️ Attention: Some models require the use of a specific hex key, which is often included with the refrigerator. If you have lost this tool, check the size of the bolts and select an analogue so as not to tear off the edges.
Organize free space around the unit. You will need access to side walls from all sides. If the refrigerator is close to furniture, it will have to be moved away. Make sure the floor is level and clean to prevent the removed parts from falling.
Remember to prepare a container for folding fasteners. The bolts from the upper and lower hinges may differ in length, and it is highly undesirable to mix them up. It is best to lay them out on the table in the order of dismantling or use a magnetic tray.
Removing the top door and preparing for overweight
The process begins with releasing top part the structure. First you need to remove the decorative plugs hiding the top hinge mounting bolts. They can be made of plastic or rubber and are simply pryed off with a knife or flat screwdriver.
After removing the plugs you will see fastening bolts. Before unscrewing them, have a helper hold the door so that it does not fall under its own weight. Carefully unscrew the bolts and remove the top hinge. Now the upper door can be removed from the lower axis.
If you have a model Side-by-Side or refrigerator with a freezer at the bottom, the sequence of actions is similar, but you may need to remove the intermediate elements. It is important not to damage control cableif it passes through the hinges (in models with a display on the door).
Pay special attention bottom hinge pins to the top door. They can be pressed in or secured with a stopper. In some cases, it is necessary to knock out the axle with light blows of a hammer through a wooden spacer, so as not to deform the metal.
Removing the lower door and dismantling the fittings
After removing the upper panel, the turn comes lower door. The principle of operation is similar: unscrew the bolts securing the hinge and remove it. Then carefully lift the door, removing it from the axial pin.
Now you need to dismantle stops and clamps. They are located at the ends of the doors and in the counterpart parts of the body. These are usually plastic bushings or metal pins. They need to be carefully removed using tweezers or a thin screwdriver.
☑️ Checklist before removing the doors
It is important to keep all the small parts intact. Plastic plugs the holes on the old side of the opening will be needed later to close the resulting voids. If the refrigerator came with special repair plugs for the back side, find them.
⚠️ Attention: When removing heavy doors, the load on the lower back can be critical. Use proper lifting technique or call a second person to avoid back injuries.
Check condition magnetic seal. While the doors are removed, it is convenient to inspect the rubber for cracks or creases. If the seal is deformed, now it is better to replace it or straighten it with a hot hairdryer.
Rearrangement of hinges and response elements
At this stage, immediate change of sideoccurs. All dismantled hinges, pins and clamps are transferred to the opposite side of the body and doors. The case should already have threaded holes provided by the factory.
Insert axial pins into the new holes in the bottom of the case. Make sure they fit snugly and upright. If the design requires the use of bushings, install them before installing the hinges. This will ensure correct positioning of the blade.
| Element | Action when overweight | Important note |
|---|---|---|
| Upper loop | Transfer to the opposite end | Check the length of the bolts |
| Bottom pin | Move to a symmetrical hole | Keep an eye on the vertical |
| Door stop | Move to a new slot | Don't forget about the plug |
| Handle | Remove and install mirrored | Required neatness |
Install door clamps into the new holes at the ends. They should snap into place with a characteristic click. Make sure the mechanism operates smoothly and does not jam. In some models, you need to turn the latch itself 180 degrees.
What to do if the holes do not match?
If you find that the holes on the new side do not match the fasteners, check the instructions. Perhaps your model cannot be re-weighted, or a special adapter is required that comes with the kit. Do not drill new holes yourself - this will damage the thermal insulation.
Installing doors on a new side
Installation starts from the lower door. Place the blade on the installed bottom pin. Holding the door in a vertical position, install the hinge in place (if it is separate) or immediately begin fixing the upper part, if the structure is solid.
Then it is installed top door. Align the hinge holes with the threaded sockets on the body. Insert the bolts and start tightening them. At this stage, do not tighten the fasteners all the way - first you need to equalize the gaps.
Pay special attention cablesif any. Lay them so that when opening the door they do not stretch or rub against the metal. Usually, special channels are provided for wires inside the loop body.
After installing all the elements, check the operation of closers and magnets. The door should open freely, and when brought to the body at a distance of 2-3 cm, it should be tightly magnetized. If the door bounces or does not hold, check the position of the latches.
Adjusting the position and eliminating distortions
Final stage - adjusting gaps. If the door is crooked or does not fit tightly, it is necessary to loosen the hinge bolts and slightly move the door leaf. Do this in small steps, constantly checking the result.
Use building levelto make sure that the refrigerator is level on the floor. If the unit itself is skewed, the doors will open spontaneously or, conversely, not close completely. Adjust the front support legs.
- 📐 Check the gap around the entire perimeter - it should be uniform.
- 🚪 Make sure the doors do not touch each other when closing.
- 🔒 Check operation lock (if any) after rearrangement.
⚠️ Attention: If after adjustment the gap between the door and the body is still uneven, the body itself may be deformed or the door is bent. In this case, replacement of components will be required.
After final tightening of the bolts, close decorative plugs. Insert the supplied plastic plugs into the holes from which the hinges were removed. This will restore the aesthetic appearance and protect the insides from dust.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to reverse the door if there is a display on it?
Yes, in most models this is possible. However, you will need to carefully disconnect the cable cable, pass it through special channels in a new loop and connect it again. It is important not to damage the contacts.
Is it necessary to defrost the refrigerator before refrigeration?
Complete defrosting is not necessary, but it is recommended to turn off the unit and remove all food. This will reduce the weight of the structure and the risk of spilling food if the door accidentally opens during work.
What to do if plugs for old holes are lost?
You can use universal furniture plugs of a suitable color and diameter. Also suitable are pieces of plastic, carefully glued into the holes to preserve thermal insulation.
Why does the door not close completely after overweight?
Most likely, the latch (pin) at the end of the door is installed incorrectly or turned upside down. Also, the reason may be that the refrigerator is tilted backwards - check the adjustment of the front legs.