Rearranging furniture in the kitchen often poses an unexpected question to owners of household appliances: how to change the direction of opening the door of the refrigeration unit. This is especially true when moving or undergoing major renovations, when the standard position of the equipment no longer fits into the new interior. Fortunately, most modern models Indesit, Atlant or LG provide for the possibility of such modification by the user himself.
The process requires care and a minimum set of tools, but is not a technically complex operation. The main task is to dismantle the hinged elements and reinstall them on the opposite side of the body. It is important to understand that the design of different brands may differ significantly, therefore a universal algorithm there is no one for all models, but the basic principles remain similar.
Before taking active steps, you need to carefully study technical data sheet your device. Some budget models or specific designs (for example, built-in refrigerators with furniture attachment) may not have holes for hanging. Ignoring this point may lead to damage to the case or loss of warranty.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
High-quality preparation of the workplace is the key to the success and safety of the work carried out. You will need clear space around the refrigerator to allow access from all sides. It is better to cover the floor with cardboard or thick fabric so as not to scratch the floor covering with fallen tools or parts.
For work you will need a standard home handyman's kit. In most cases, a Phillips-head screwdriver and a flat spatula will suffice. For some models, such as Hotpoint or Beko, you may need a socket wrench or a set of hexagons, which are often included with the equipment.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. This is not only a safety requirement, but also a way to avoid accidentally turning on the compressor during manipulations.
The list of necessary tools includes:
- 🛠️ Phillips screwdriver (PH2) and a flat one for prying off the plugs.
- 🔧 A set of wrenches or a ratchet with heads (often 8, 10 mm).
- 📏 Construction level for checking the horizontal position after installation.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges.
It is especially worth mentioning painting tape. It will be needed to secure the doors in the open position and protect the paintwork from accidental scratches with a tool. Also prepare a container for folding screws so as not to lose small parts during work.
☑️ Preparing for rehanging
Analysis of the design and search for mounting holes
The first stage of work is a visual inspection housings. You need to make sure that the manufacturer has provided the possibility of rearrangement. To do this, inspect the side walls of the refrigerator and freezer compartments. On one side you will see installed hinges and handles, and on the other - hidden holes.
Usually these holes are closed with decorative plugs, which can be made of plastic or rubber. In some models Samsung or Haier the holes can simply be sealed with factory film. Carefully pry up the plugs with a flat-head screwdriver, being careful not to damage them, as you will need them for installation on the other side.
What to do if there are no holes?
If there are no threaded holes or through channels for fastening on the opposite side of the body, then it is impossible to rehang the doors using the factory method. An attempt to drill holes yourself may damage the thermal insulation circuit, which will lead to moisture getting inside the case and corrosion, as well as loss of warranty.
It is important to distinguish between the types of handle fastenings. They can be screwed from the outside (which is less common) or attached from the inside of the door leaf. In the latter case, you will have to dismantle the door itself to gain access to the fastening points.
Removing the top hinge and removing the doors
The process of removing doors always starts from the top. First you need to remove the top hinge that holds the refrigerator door in place. In dual-chamber models, the power wire often passes through the top hinge if there is a control panel or display on the door.
If the wire is present, it must be carefully disconnected from the connectors. Do not pull the wires sharply - find the plastic connector and press the latch. After this, you can unscrew the bolts holding the upper hinge. It is recommended to hold the door with your other hand or ask an assistant to prevent it from falling.
After removing the top hinge, carefully lift the refrigerator door and remove it from the bottom axis. Place the door on a prepared soft surface with the outer side facing down. Now you can begin removing the middle hinge (chamber separator) and the freezer door using a similar principle.
Key points during dismantling:
- 📸 Take a photo of connecting the wires before disconnecting.
- 🔌 Do not let the wires sag to avoid damage insulation.
- 🤲 It is better to remove heavy doors together to avoid injury.
After removing all the doors, you will be left with a free refrigerator body. Now you can start directly rearranging the elements to the opposite side.
Rearranging handles and hinges to the other side
The most critical stage is the physical transfer of fittings. Handles are usually attached to long screws that pass through the door leaf. You need to unscrew them from the inside of the door (or from the outside, depending on the model) and install them in pre-prepared holes on the other side.
When installing the handles, make sure that they are level and fit tightly to the surface. If trim strips are used, install them now. Then move on to the loops. The upper and lower hinges must be moved to opposite sides of the body using the corresponding holes.
Pay attention to the stops. The refrigerator often comes with plastic or rubber stops that limit the opening angle of the door. They also need to be moved to the new side, otherwise the door will open too wide or, conversely, not all the way.
⚠️ Attention: When tightening the screws, do not use excessive force. Aluminum alloys and plastics used in the design are easy to strip threads. Use moderate force until resistance appears.
Table problems when rearranging and their solutions:
| Problem | Possible cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| The door is skewed | The hinge screws are unevenly tightened | Loosen the fasteners and level the door |
| The door does not close tightly | The magnetic stop has not been moved | Check and adjust the limiter opening |
| A squeak is heard | Friction of metal on metal | Lubricate the hinges with silicone grease |
| The display does not work | The cable is not connected | Check the tightness of the connector |
Assembling the structure and hanging the doors
Assembly is carried out in the reverse order of dismantling. First, the bottom door (freezer compartment) is installed, then the middle one (if the model is three-chamber or No Frost with a freshness zone), and finally the top door of the refrigerator compartment.
When hanging doors, it is important to accurately hit the hinge hole with the axis. If the holes do not match, do not press with force - the lower hinge may be installed askew. After installing each door, check for ease of movement. The door should open and close smoothly, without jerking.
Pay special attention to connecting electrical circuits. Make sure that the wires are not pinched by the metal of the hinges and have sufficient length to allow the door to open freely by 90-110 degrees. If necessary, straighten the cable turns inside the channel.
The final step is to install all the decorative plugs on the vacated holes on the side where the loops are now located. This will give the product a finished aesthetic appearance and protect the internal cavities from dust.
Adjustment and final check
After all the elements are installed in place, it is necessary to carry out the final adjustment. Use a building level to check the vertical installation of the refrigerator itself and the symmetry of the gaps between the doors and the body.
If the door is skewed, adjustment is usually carried out by tightening the screws on the bottom hinge or adjusting bolts in the base of the refrigerator (legs). By turning the legs, you can raise one of the corners, achieving an ideal horizon.
⚠️ Attention: Do not plug in the refrigerator immediately if you tilted it more than 40 degrees during work. Allow the oil in the compressor to drain back into the crankcase for 2-4 hours.
Check the tightness of the seal around the entire perimeter. To do this, you can use a simple test with a sheet of paper: hold the sheet with a door and try to pull it out. It should be removed with noticeable effort along the entire length of the perimeter.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to reverse the doors on a refrigerator with a No Frost system?
Yes, on most models with the system No Frost this is possible. However, the design can be more complex due to the presence of air ducts and additional sensors. Special care is required when working with plastic elements.
What to do if the screws are rusty and cannot be unscrewed?
Use a penetrating lubricant (for example, WD-40). Apply it to the thread and leave for 15-20 minutes. Pre-heating the joint with a hair dryer also helps, but be careful not to melt the plastic.
Will the warranty remain valid after re-hanging it yourself?
In most cases, if you did not damage the case, did not strip the threads or break the plastic elements, the warranty is still valid. However, it is recommended to keep all removed plugs and act strictly according to the instructions.
Do you need to buy new seals when re-hanging?
No, standard seals are symmetrical and designed to work in any position. Purchasing new ones is only required if the old rubber circuit is damaged or has lost elasticity.