The situation when refrigerator no longer fits into the updated interior or interferes with the convenient opening of adjacent cabinets is familiar to many owners of household appliances. Often the only way out is reversing the door to the opposite side, which allows you to change the opening direction without purchasing a new unit. This procedure seems complicated only at first glance, but if you have basic skills and the right tools, it is quite doable at home.
Before taking active steps, you need to clearly understand the design of your device, since fastening methods may differ significantly from one manufacturer to another. For example, refrigerators Indesit or Atlant often have hidden hinges that require careful handling, while older models ZIL or Saratov may have more massive and simple fittings. It is critically important before starting work to completely disconnect the device from the power supply by unplugging the plug from the socket to eliminate the risk of electric shock.
In this article We will analyze in detail the process of dismantling and installing the door, paying attention to the nuances of working with various types of hinges and seals. You will learn what tools you will need, how to properly move the handles, and what to do if the door does not fit tightly after installation. Competently completing all the steps will allow you to change the kitchen configuration and extend the life of the refrigeration equipment.
⚠️ Attention: If your refrigerator is under warranty, tampering with the design yourself may void the manufacturer's warranty. Make sure that the documentation does not indicate a prohibition on hanging the door.
Preparation of tools and workplace
Quality preparation is the key to the success of any repair operation. To replace the opening side, you will not need many tools, but they should all be on hand so as not to interrupt the process by searching for the missing screwdriver. The main tool will be screwdriver or a set screwdrivers (cross and flat) of various sizes, since the screws can be different. You will also definitely need wrench or a socket head for working with hinge bolts.
It is important to ensure sufficient space around the refrigerator. You will need to move the unit away from the wall to allow easy access from all sides. It is advisable to cover the floor with a soft material, such as cardboard or thick fabric, so as not to damage the floor covering and the door itself if you have to lay it horizontally. In some models, especially built-in ones, you may need hexagon to remove decorative trims.
- 🛠️ A set of screwdrivers (phillips, flat) and bits.
- 🔧 A wrench or a set of sockets (often size 8 or 10 mm).
- 📏 Allen keys for hidden screws.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp edges.
- 🧹 Masking tape for temporary fixation of elements.
Don't forget to prepare a container for storing screws and small parts. The loss of even one small bolt can stop the entire process or lead to poor quality assembly. If you have an assistant, this will greatly simplify the task, since the doors of modern two-chamber refrigerators can be quite heavy and cumbersome.
☑️ Preparing for rehanging
Dismantling the top part and removing the door
The process begins from the top of the refrigerator. First of all, you need to remove the top cover of the case, if it is structurally provided for in your model. It is usually secured with latches or several screws that need to be carefully unscrewed. After removing the cover, you will have access to the upper fastening of the door hinge.
Next, you should unscrew the upper hinge. Do not remove the screws completely at once - loosen them to understand the principle of fastening. If the model suggests there decorative plug on the opposite side where there will be a new loop, it also needs to be removed now. In some cases, for example, Bosch refrigerators or Siemens, you may need to remove the top control panel if it is located on or above the door.
Now you can proceed to removal the door itself. Have a helper hold the door while you finally remove the top hinge bolts. After this, the door can be carefully lifted and removed from the lower axis. Be careful: there may be glass shelves inside the door that can fall out when tilted, so it is better to first clear the door niches from food and heavy bottles.
⚠️ Attention: Never hold the door by the handle alone when dismantling - the load may be too great to attach the handle, and you risk dropping the heavy structure on your feet.
After removing the door, inspect the lower hinge. In most cases, it also needs to be dismantled and moved to the other side. To do this, the mounting bolts are unscrewed and the hinge is removed from the axle. If there are plastic plugs at the site of future fastening, carefully pry them off with a flat-head screwdriver and move them to the free space to hide the old holes.
Rearranging handles and fittings
One of the most noticeable parts of the procedure is the transfer of the handle. On many modern models, the handles are symmetrical or have a universal mount, but reinstallation is often required. If the handle is hidden (mortise), the process may take longer. You will need to find the attachment points, which are often hidden under decorative trims or plugs.
Removing the handle usually requires removing the inner door panel or accessing the screws through special holes. Carefully unscrew the fasteners and remove the handle. In the free space, install the plug that came with the refrigerator (usually they are in a bag with documents or attached with tape to the inner surface). On the opposite side where there was previously a plug, drill holes or use ready-made ones, if the design allows, and secure the handle.
It is important to ensure that the screws are tightened tightly, but without excessive force, so as not to strip the threads in the plastic. If the holes do not line up perfectly, you may need to use a smaller diameter drill bit to make a clean fit, but this is rarely necessary on factory models. Make sure that the handle is installed level, otherwise the door may warp.
What to do if the holes do not match?
In some budget models or older refrigerators, holes for the handle can only be drilled on one side. In this case, you will have to carefully drill new holes on the other side, using the old location as a template, and seal the old holes with plastic putty or plugs.
Magnetic locks or door latches, if any, deserve special attention. They also need to be moved to the new side so that the door closes securely and does not open on its own from a slight push or tilt of the body.
Installing hinges and hanging the door
After the preparatory work, the assembly stage begins. Install the bottom hinge on the new side first. Insert the axle into the corresponding hole on the housing and securely fasten with bolts. Make sure that the hinge is strictly vertical and does not wobble. This determines how level the door will be in the future.
Then carefully place the door on the lower axis. It is better to perform this action together in order to accurately hit the holes in the upper part of the door into the mating parts of the upper hinge. Align the door and secure it in this position. Now you can screw on the top hinge. Tighten the bolts evenly, alternating them to avoid metal distortion.
After installing the hinges, check the operation of the door. It should open and close smoothly, without squeaks or jams. If you change the side on a two-chamber refrigerator, the procedure often has to be repeated for each chamber separately, starting from the bottom (freezer) or the top, depending on the design of the model.
| Element | Action | Tool |
|---|---|---|
| Upper hinge | Dismantling and rearrangement | Screwdriver, wrench |
| Bottom hinge | Removing the axle, installing on a new side | Wrench |
| Handle | Transfer to the opposite side | Hexagon |
| Plugs | Replacement | Flat screwdriver |
Adjusting and checking the tightness of the fit
After installing the door, it is often required to be adjusted. Even with careful work, a situation may arise when the door is skewed or does not fit tightly to the body. This is fraught with loss of cold and increased work of the compressor. Check the tightness of the seal sealing rubber along the entire perimeter.
To adjust the height of the door, adjusting screws on the bottom hinge are usually used. By rotating them, you can raise or lower one of the corners of the door. If the door is skewed diagonally, you may need to loosen the middle hinge (if there is one) and reset the geometry. In some models LG refrigerators or Samsung adjustment is carried out by placing washers or rotating special eccentrics.
Check the operation of the magnetic seal. Run your hand along the closed door - there should be no drafts. You can use a simple test with a sheet of paper: hold the sheet of paper in a door and try to pull it out. If the sheet is pulled out too easily in any place, it means that the seal is broken there. Also make sure that when opening the door does not touch neighboring objects or elements of the kitchen unit.
- 👀 Visually inspect the perimeter of the door for gaps.
- ✋ Run your hand along the seal, feeling the flow of cold air.
- 📄 Use a test with a sheet of paper to check pressing force.
- 🔄 If necessary, loosen the hinge screws and re-align the door.
⚠️ Attention: If after adjustment the gaps remain, the refrigerator body itself may be deformed or the seal is damaged. In this case, it may be necessary to replace the rubber cuff.
Features for models with No Frost and displays
Reversing the door on refrigerators with a system No Frost or the presence of an electronic display on the door has its own nuances. In these models, a wiring harness often runs through the loop, connecting the control board to the sensors and lights in the door. You can't just remove the door - you need to carefully disconnect the connectors.
When dismantling the top hinge, carefully watch the wires. Don't jerk them sharply. Typically, connectors have latches that must be released before removal. When installing on a new side, make sure the wires are long enough to connect them in the new position. Sometimes it is necessary to reposition the cable inside the door channel or cabinet to avoid tension or pinching.
If the door has a display or control button, make sure that after repositioning it will not end up in an awkward location or be covered by an adjacent cabinet. In rare cases, it may be necessary to flash or reconfigure the control module so that the display displays information correctly (not upside down), although in most modern models this happens automatically or is not required at all.
Frequent errors and troubleshooting
In the process, beginners often make mistakes that lead to repeated disassembly. One of the most common is the loss of fasteners. Small screws can easily be rolled under the refrigerator or into cracks. Use a magnetic tray or tape the screws immediately after unscrewing.
Another mistake is excessive force when tightening. Aluminum hinges or plastic inserts are easily damaged if the bolt is overtightened. This can cause the door to begin to sag after a short time. Use enough force to securely fix it, but without fanaticism.
If the door does not close completely after installation, check whether the legs of the refrigerator are installed correctly. The frame should be tilted back slightly so that the door closes itself under the influence of gravity. Adjusting the front legs often solves the problem of an “unclosed” door.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to hang the door on a built-in refrigerator?
Yes, on most built-in models this is possible, but the procedure is more complicated. You will need to remove the front furniture panels, reattach them to the new side of the refrigerator door and make sure that the hinges will support the weight of the furniture. Additional fasteners are often required.
What to do if there are no holes for hinges on the other side?
In 99% of cases, factory holes are already provided on both sides and closed with plastic plugs. If there really are no holes (rare old models), self-drilling is not recommended, as you can damage the internal circuit or insulation.
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging?
Complete defrosting is not necessary if you work quickly. However, it is recommended to remove all products and shelves to lighten the door. If the procedure drags on and the refrigerator remains open for a long time, defrosting may occur by itself.
How long does it take to rehang the door?
For an experienced technician, the process takes 20-30 minutes. For a beginner, taking into account studying the instructions and searching for tools, this can take from 1 to 2 hours. Take your time and do everything sequentially.
Why does the refrigerator door open by itself?
This can be caused by incorrect tilting of the body (the legs are not adjusted), loosening of the hinges, damage to the seal or overloading of the shelves on the door, which changes the center of gravity. Check the adjustment of the legs and the tightness of the rubber band.