The need to change the direction of opening the refrigerator door often arises when remodeling a kitchen or rearranging furniture. The situation when swing door rests against a wall or interferes with passage is familiar to many owners of household appliances. Fortunately, most modern models, be it Indesit, Atlant or LG, provide the possibility of reversing the hinges on the opposite side.
This procedure does not require calling a specialist and special tools if you act carefully and consistently. Re-hanging doors usually takes from 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the design of your model. The main thing is to understand that you are working with heavy elements that require careful handling, and to follow safety precautions.
In this article we will analyze a universal algorithm of actions that is suitable for most two-chamber refrigerators. You will learn how to properly dismantle accessories, rearrange the handles and adjust the tightness of the seal. Carefully read the instructions before starting work to avoid damage to the coating or the latching mechanism.
Preparation of the workplace and necessary tools
Before starting disassembly, you need to clear the space around the refrigerator. You will need access to the unit from all sides, especially if you plan to move it to a new location. Remove the rug, move the furniture and make sure that the floor is level and clean so that accidentally fallen parts do not get lost or damaged.
To complete the work you will need a minimum set of tools, which are usually found in every home. The main requirement is the presence of screwdrivers of different types, since the fasteners may differ. Some models may have hex bolts, so it is better to prepare a complete set in advance. Don't forget to take care of safety. Refrigerator doors are quite heavy, and if you drop the metal hinge or the door itself, you can break through the linoleum or scratch the laminate. Cover the work area with thick cardboard, an old blanket or carpet. Bosch or Siemens There may be hex bolts, so it is better to prepare a complete set in advance.
Don't forget to take care of safety Floor coverings. Refrigerator doors are quite heavy, and if you drop the metal hinge or the door itself, you can break through the linoleum or scratch the laminate. Cover your work area with thick cardboard, an old blanket or carpet.
☑️ Tools for hanging
Pay special attention to the preparation of fasteners elements. Immediately after unscrewing the bolts, place them in a separate container so as not to mix up long and short screws. Loss of fasteners can cause the door to close poorly or dangle, so the order of the parts is critical.
Design features and types of hinges
Before you pick up the tools, you should figure out what kind of design you have to work with. Door fastening mechanisms may vary significantly between different manufacturers. In some models, the hinges are hidden under decorative overlays, while in others they are open and immediately accessible. Understanding the type of your opening systems will help you avoid mistakes during dismantling.
There are two main types of hinges: upper and lower. The top hinge usually secures the door in a vertical position and often carries a decorative cover. The lower loop is the support loop and experiences the greatest load. Two-chamber refrigerators also have a middle hinge separating the freezer and refrigerator compartments, which will also have to be rearranged.
⚠️ Attention: Some refrigerator models have asymmetrical doors. If there are no holes on the inside of the door leaf for the hinges on the other side, it is impossible to re-hang them. Make sure there are technological holes before starting work.
Systems closers and magnetic latches deserve special attention. Modern models Samsung or Whirlpool can use complex soft-closing mechanisms. Their dismantling requires special care so as not to damage the plastic gears or springs.
The myth of the warranty
Many are afraid that re-hanging the doors themselves will void the warranty. This is not entirely true. If you do not break the mechanism or damage the case when re-hanging it yourself, the warranty remains valid. However, if in the process you break the thread or break the glass, the service center will refuse free repairs.
It is also important to consider the material used to make the hinges. Cast steel elements are more durable, but heavier. Aluminum alloys are lighter, but require more careful handling when tightening to avoid stripping the threads. Determine the material of your fittings visually - this will help calculate the force when twisting.
Dismantling door handles and top hinge
The process begins with the topmost element of the structure. First you need to remove the decorative plugs if they cover the mounting bolts. Usually these are plastic circles or rectangles that can be easily pryed off with a thin knife or slotted screwdriver. Be careful not to scratch the glossy surface.
Next comes the step of removing the handles. Depending on the model accessories, the handles can be attached with screws from the bottom, top or side. Sometimes access to them opens only after removing the door itself, but most often they are dismantled first. Unscrew all visible bolts and carefully remove the handles, placing the fasteners in a prepared container.
Now we move on to the upper hinge. Before unscrewing it, be sure to call an assistant to hold the door. Even if it seems to you that it stands stable, when you remove the top fastening (the center of gravity) will shift, and the heavy sash may fall. An assistant should hold the door firmly by the end.
- 🔧 Unscrew the top hinge bolts counterclockwise using the appropriate wrench or screwdriver.
- 🚪 Carefully remove the top hinge and set it aside without losing the washer or gasket.
- 👐 Remove the door from the lower axis and put it in a safe place, it is best to place it on prepared soft cardboard.
- 🔩 Inspect the lower hinge axis for dirt and, if necessary, wipe it with a dry rag.
If your refrigerator is a two-chamber one, after removing the upper door, a similar procedure is necessary carry out with the second door, having previously dismantled the middle partition. Do not forget that in this case the load on the lower part of the structure changes, and you need to act even more carefully.
Rearranging the fittings to the opposite side
After successful dismantling of all elements, the time for rearrangement comes. On the opposite side of the case you will find symmetrical holes covered with plastic plugs. They need to be removed. Often they fit very tightly, and to remove them you may need to pry off the edge with a screwdriver.
Do not throw away the dismantled plugs - they will be needed to close the vacated holes on the old side. Insert them tightly until you hear a characteristic click. This is important not only for aesthetics, but also for preserving thermal insulation the body, so that cold does not escape through the holes and moisture does not penetrate.
Now let's take care of the door leaf. At the end of the door, on the side that used to be external, there are also holes for hinges and handles. If there are plugs there, take them out and move them to the vacant space on the opposite end. If the holes are through, make sure that the thread on the other side is intact.
| Element | Action | Nuances |
|---|---|---|
| Upper loop | Move to a new one side | Check the alignment of the holes |
| Bottom hinge | Move to the new side | Clean the axle from dust |
| Handles | Twist symmetrically | Follow the direction of the screws |
| Plugs | Switch places | Do not lose any parts |
Pay special attention to the installation pins or axes. In some models they are inserted into the body, in others they are screwed into the door itself. Make sure that when rearranging you use exactly the pins that are intended for the new side, if they differ in length or shape.
Assembling and installing the doors in a new place
Assembly is carried out in the reverse order of disassembly. First, the bottom hinge is installed on the new side of the case. Insert the axle into the hole and lightly tighten the mounting bolts without fully tightening them. This will allow you to adjust the position of the door if necessary.
Then carefully place the door leaf on the lower axis. Have an assistant hold the door strictly vertical. Align the holes on the top of the door with the holes for the top hinge. Insert the mounting bolts and tighten them. Only after making sure that the door is level and nothing is in the way can you finally tighten all the fasteners.
⚠️ Attention: Do not overtighten the bolts! Excessive force can lead to metal deformation or thread breakage, especially if the hinges are made of silumin. Screw it all the way, but without fanaticism.
If the refrigerator is a two-chamber one, repeat the procedure for the second door. Install the middle partition (if it was removed separately), then install the top door. Make sure that the gaps between the doors and the body are the same on all sides.
After installing the mechanical part, return it to its place handles. Check that they are twisted symmetrically and fit snugly to the surface. If the model includes decorative covers on the hinges, install them last, snapping them all the way.
Adjusting the gaps and checking the fit
The last and one of the most important stages is adjustment. After installing the door on the new side, it may be necessary to adjust its position. If the door is skewed, it will not fit tightly to the body, which will lead to the formation of ice and increased energy consumption.
Check the tightness seal along the entire perimeter. To do this, you can use a simple test with a sheet of paper. Squeeze the sheet with the door and try to pull it out. It must be pulled out with force. If the paper falls out on its own or is pulled out too easily, the height of the hinges will need to be adjusted. gap.
- 📏 If the door is skewed to one side, slightly loosen the bottom hinge fasteners.
- 🔨 Carefully lift or lower the edge of the door, aligning the gap.
- 🔧 Tighten the bottom hinge bolts, holding the door in the desired position.
- ✅ Repeat the check with a sheet of paper around the entire perimeter.
In some models Liebherr or Beko height is adjusted with special screws in the lower part of the case, access to which is through the plinth grille. Rotating these screws raises or lowers the corresponding corner of the refrigerator, leveling the door.
Common mistakes and precautions
Despite the apparent simplicity, beginners often make mistakes that can lead to breakdown. One of the most common is loss fasteners. Small screws easily roll under the baseboard or get lost in the carpet pile. Use a magnetic tray or tape the bolts to the cardboard immediately after unscrewing.
Another mistake is ignoring the instructions specifically for your model. Universal advice is good, but each manufacturer has its own “tricks”. For example, in some refrigerators Haier you need to remove not only the hinges, but also the entire top decorative box.
⚠️ Attention: Never leave a refrigerator without doors open for a long time, especially if there are children or animals in the house. This may result in injury or getting stuck inside.
It is also worth mentioning the fragility of plastic elements. Plugs, handles and decorative trims become very brittle at low temperatures. If you are working in an unheated room in winter, let the refrigerator warm up to room temperature before starting manipulations.
What to do if the bolt cannot be unscrewed?
If the fastener is “stuck” or rusty, do not use excessive force - you can break the bolt head. Place some WD-40 or kerosene on the threads and wait 10-15 minutes. Lightly tapping a screwdriver with a hammer also helps to destroy the oxides.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to rehang the doors on a refrigerator if it is still under warranty?
Yes, most manufacturers allow you to rehang the doors yourself, and this is not a basis for voiding the warranty. The main thing is not to damage the housing, wiring (if there are sensors on the door) and the hinge mechanism itself in the process. Keep your receipts and follow the instructions.
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging?
Full defrosting is not necessary if you work quickly. However, if there is a lot of ice in the freezer, it is better to let it thaw so that water does not flow into the mechanisms or onto the floor when the door is tilted. Also, a warm seal is more elastic and has less risk of being damaged.
What to do if the door slams after hanging?
A loud bang when closing indicates too strong a vacuum effect. This often happens if the seal is too tight. Try loosening the adjusting screws slightly or checking to see if the door is twisted. Sometimes lubrication of the seal with a special silicone grease helps.
Is it possible to swap the doors on a built-in refrigerator?
With built-in appliances, everything is more complicated. Furniture front hinges often get in the way. It is necessary to rehang not only the refrigerator door, but also rearrange the furniture door guides. This is a labor-intensive process that requires precise adjustment, so for built-in models it is often recommended to call a specialist.