Moving the refrigerator handle to the opposite side is a task that almost every third appliance owner faces when moving, renovating a kitchen, or simply wanting to optimize space. It would seem that what is so difficult here? But Incorrect dismantling can lead to chipped plastic, damage to fasteners, or even breakage of the door mechanism. This is especially true for models with electronic control, where the door is connected to an opening alarm system.
In this article we will examine universal algorithm handle transfer for 90% of household refrigerators (including Indesit, Atlant, Samsung, LG, Beko etc.), we will indicate key differences for different types of fastenings, and warn against common mistakes. You will also learn what tools are really needed (spoiler: one screwdriver is often enough), and what to do if the handle is “stuck” to the door.
When do you really need to re-hang the handle?
Before Before picking up the tools, evaluate whether the transfer is justified. Here objective reasons to change the opening side:
- 🔄 Kitchen redevelopment - the refrigerator door collides with furniture, appliances or interferes with the passage.
- 👨👩👧👦 Convenience for left-handers - if the main user is left-handed, it is more logical to open the door on the left to the right.
- 🚪 Non-standard location —for example, the refrigerator is built into a niche, and the door opens “into the wall.”
- 🔧 Failure of the mechanism —if the handle is broken and a new one is sold only for the opposite side.
But there are cases when transfer is impractical:
- ❌ Refrigerator with built-in water dispenser - moving the handle will require reworking the entire supply system.
- ❌ Models with touch controls on the door (for example, Samsung Family Hub) - the operation of the screen may be disrupted.
- ❌ Double-chamber refrigerators with separate handles on the freezer and main chamber —you will have to reweigh both, which complicates the task.
Tools: what you really need
In most cases, the minimum set is sufficient:
| Tool | What is it for? | Can it be replaced? |
|---|---|---|
| Phillips screwdriver (PH2) | For unscrewing the screws securing the handle | Yes, on a flat one screwdriver (if the screws are minus) |
| Flat screwdriver (3–5 mm) | For prying up decorative plugs | Yes, onto a knife or plastic card |
| Hexagon (3–4 mm) | For models with internal bolts (for example, Liebherr) | No, only the original key |
| Silicone grease or WD-40 | If the handle is “stuck” to the door | Yes, on vegetable oil (as a last resort). self-tapping screws. Hand tools provide better control of force. |
| Masking tape | To protect the door from scratches | Yes, on duct tape or paper |
Important! Do not use electric screwdrivers or screwdrivers - they can tear off plastic threads or overtighten screws. Hand tools give better control of force.
⚠️ Attention: If your refrigerator is under warranty, moving the handle may void it. Check this with the service center manufacturer before starting. works.
Step-by-step instructions: how to rehang the handle in 30 minutes
The algorithm is suitable for most models with overhead handles (not built-in door). If you have a handle integrated into the body (for example, Smeg or some Bosch), the process will be more complicated - see the section on exceptions.
☑️ Preparing for work
Step 1: Dismantling the old handle
1. Find decorative plugs at the ends of the handle (usually there are 2-4 of them). flat screwdriver. If there are no plugs, the screws are hidden under the handle.
2. Unscrew the screws (usually 2-4 pieces). In models Atlant i Indesit Second-head screws are often used - do not overtighten them when reassembling!
3. Remove the handle. If it does not give in, slightly shake it left and right. If the handle is “stuck,” apply WD-40 to the joint and wait 5–10. minutes.
Step 2: Preparing the holes for the new side
1. On the opposite side of the door, find the plugs. fastenings (usually they are hidden under a decorative panel or sticker).
2. Check whether the holes match the new handle. If there are no holes, you will have to drill them (see spoiler below).
What to do if there are no holes?
If there are no ready-made holes on the new side, take the handle, attach it to the door and mark with a pencil, use a drill with a diameter 0.5 mm smaller than the diameter of the screws. For plastic doors, a hand drill at low speed is sufficient. For metal doors (for example, u Gorenje), you will need a metal drill and titanium coating.
Step 3: Installing the handle on the new side
1. Attach the handle to the door and align the holes. Start screwing the screws manuallyto avoid distortion.
2. Tighten the screws crosswise (if there are more than two) sits straight. Do not use excessive force - the plastic may crack!
3. Install decorative plugs on the ends of the handle. Check that the handle does not wobble and does not interfere with the opening of the door.
Step 4: Checking operation
1. Open and close the door 5-6 times to make sure that the handle does not interfere with the seal.
2. Check. data-i="156">—if there are gaps, the refrigerator will freeze worse. does the sealing rubber fit tightly? - if gaps remain, the refrigerator will freeze worse.
3. Connect the refrigerator to the network and make sure that indicator open door (if any) works correctly.
Features for different brands
Although the principle of moving the handle is universal, some manufacturers have nuances:
- 🔧 Samsung and LG: They often use hidden latches instead of screws. To remove the handle, you need to press the latch inside the groove (usually it is located in the middle of the handle).
- 🔧 Indesit i Ariston: The screws can be hidden under the decorative strip at the top of the door. Remove it by prying it with a screwdriver.
- 🔧 Beko i Vestfrost: The handles are attached to rivets. They need to be drilled, and when installing, use self-tapping screws with a press washer.
- 🔧 Liebherr i Miele: A hex wrench is required to unscrew the internal bolts. Often the holes are closed with plugs matching the color of the door.
⚠️ Attention: In refrigerators Samsung with a system Twin Cooling Plus moving the handle may disrupt the operation of the door opening sensor. Before starting work, check whether the new position of the handle does not block the infrared sensor (usually it is located in the upper corner of the door).
What to do if the handle is not standard?
Some models have atypical handlesthat cannot simply be repositioned. Let's consider the main cases:
1. Built-in handles (without screws)
Found in premium brands (Smeg, KitchenAid) and some Bosch. Such handles are part of the door and cannot be transferred. The only way out is to order a new door from the manufacturer (which will cost 30–50% of the cost of the refrigerator).
2. Handles with electronic elements
If the handle has built-in display, touch buttons or LED backlight (as in Samsung Family Hub), transfer is possible only at the service center. Independent manipulations will lead to loss of functionality.
3. Magnetic handles
Used in some models Liebherr and Gorenje. They are attached with magnets and can simply be moved to the other side without tools. However, check whether the magnet does not interfere with the operation of the seal.
4. Handles with rivets
Often found in budget models (Beko, Vestfrost). For dismantling you will need:
- Drill out the rivets with a drill with a diameter of 3-4 mm.
- When installing on a new side, use screws with a press washer (for example, 4 × 16 mm).
- Close the heads of the screws with decorative plugs.
Typical mistakes and how to avoid them
Even with the apparent simplicity of the task, many make mistakes that lead to breakdowns or incorrect operation of the refrigerator. Here are the most common:
- 🔨 Tightening self-tapping screws → cracks in the plastic or broken threads. Solution: use a screwdriver with a torque limiter or tighten it by hand.
- 🔄 Mismatch of holes → the handle wobbles or does not fit into place. Solution: check the symmetry of the holes on both sides of the door.
- 🚪 Ignoring the adjustment of the hinges → the door does not close well. Solution: after moving the handle, adjust the hinges (see the instructions for the refrigerator).
- ⚡ Work under voltage → risk of electric shock. Solution: always unplug the refrigerator from the outlet!
- 🔧 Loss of plugs or screws → aesthetic defect. Solution: use a magnetic tray for fasteners.
The most dangerous mistake - attempt to re-hang the handle on refrigerators s automatic defrosting system No Frost, without checking whether the new position of the handle ventilation holes. This can lead to freezing evaporator compressor breakdown.
⚠️ Attention: If, after moving the handle, the refrigerator begins to hum loudly or does not turn off, immediately return the handle to its original position. Most likely, it puts pressure on coolant pipes or interferes with the operation of the fan.
Adjusting the hinges after moving the handle
Moving the handle often requires adjusting hinges, especially if the door begins to close poorly. Here's how to do it:
- Check the gaps: between the door and the refrigerator body there should be a uniform gap of 2-3 mm around the entire perimeter. If there is a larger gap somewhere, the hinge needs to be adjusted.
- Loosen the hinge: usually it is fixed with 2-3 bolts (use a 10 or 13 mm wrench).
- Adjust the position:
- If the door sags → tighten the upper hinge.
- If the door does not fit from below → loosen the lower hinge and slightly lift the door.
- If the door aims the body on the sides → move it to the left/right, loosening both hinges.
with a sheet of paper (it should be pressed tightly along the entire contour).For refrigerators with lower loop on a spring (for example, Atlant) may be required rearranging the spring to the other side. It’s difficult to do this yourself - it’s better to contact the service.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about moving the handle
Is it possible to reposition the handle on a refrigerator with a dispenser for water?
No, if the dispenser is built into the door. Relocating the handle will require reworking the water supply system, which is technically difficult and will void the warranty. The exception is models with removable dispenser (for example, some LG), where the handle and dispenser can be rearranged separately.
What to do if the door does not close after moving the handle?
The reason is usually distortion of hinges or deformation of the seal. Try:
- Adjust the hinges (see section above).
- Warm the seal with a hairdryer (temperature 50–60°C) and give it form.
- Check whether the handle does not interfere with the magnetic tape of the seal.
If the problem persists, return the handle to its original position and contact service.
Is it necessary to rehang the handles on both chambers of a two-chamber refrigerator?
Yes, if you want both doors to open in the same direction. However, this double the amount of work may require reconfiguring the loops. In some models (for example, Samsung RL) the handles on the freezer and the main chamber are not symmetrical they cannot simply be swapped.
What if are there no holes for the handle on the new side?
You will have to drill them yourself:
- Attach the handle to the door and mark the locations for the holes with a pencil.
- Use a drill with a diameter 0.5 mm smaller than the screws.
- For metal doors, use a metal drill with titanium coating.
- After drilling, remove the chips and seal the edges of the holes with sealant (for example,
silicone).
If you are not sure, it is better to contact a specialist.
Is it possible to move the handle on a refrigerator with touch control?
Technically it is possible, but high risk of losing the functionality of the sensor. In models like Samsung Family Hub or LG InstaView the handle is often connected to the electronic unit. to:
- Inoperative display.
- False alarms of the opening sensor.
- Loss of warranty.
We recommend contacting authorized service center.