Rearranging furniture in the kitchen often causes a change in the interior, but sometimes a more complex solution related to household appliances is required. If you decide to move the refrigerator to a corner where opening the door in the usual direction will become impossible, do not rush to abandon the purchase or look for a new model. Most modern units allow to reinstall the hinges to change the opening direction.
The process of rehanging doors requires accuracy and a minimum set of tools. In this article we will look in detail at how to prepare the equipment, what nuances to consider for different models and how to properly dismantle it so as not to damage sealing rubber bands or the fittings. Properly done work will take no more than 30-40 minutes.
Before you start working, you need to make sure that your model even supports this function. Although this is found in 90% of refrigerators, some budget or specific models may have an asymmetrical body design. Check the presence plugs on the opposite side - they are the first sign that the rearrangement is provided by the manufacturer.
Preparation for reversing the doors
The first and most important step is to prepare the workspace and the unit itself. The refrigerator must be completely defrostempty of food and remove all shelves, drawers and containers. This will not only lighten the weight of the structure, but will also protect the internal elements from damage when tilting or turning the case.
You will need to prepare the tools in advance so as not to be distracted during the work process. Phillips and flat-head screwdrivers, as well as a wrench or socket set, are usually sufficient. Some models, for example Bosch or Siemensmay require a hexagon, which is often included with the appliance.
Pay special attention to the stability of the refrigerator during operation. Since you will have to tilt the body or work with the top, the equipment should not slide on the floor. Place thick cardboard or a rubber mat under the feet if the surface is slippery. It is also important to ensure good lighting of the working area in order to see small fastener parts.
- 🔧 Phillips and flathead screwdrivers for removing decorative elements.
- 🔩 Wrench or set of sockets (usually 8 or 10 mm).
- 📏 Level for checking horizontalness after installation.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp edges.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply! Working with live electrical appliances is prohibited by safety rules.
Analysis of the design and search for fasteners
After the refrigerator is empty and turned off, it is necessary to carefully examine the design of the doors. Carefully inspect the hinges: top, middle (if the door is double) and bottom. On the free side, where you plan to move the door, there should be holes for fasteners, closed with plastic plugs.
Decorative elements often hide the main fasteners. Carefully pry off the plugs with a flathead screwdriver or knife. In some models, such as LG or Samsung, the top hinge may be hidden under a decorative cover, which must be removed by first unscrewing the screws. Do not use excessive force to avoid breaking the plastic.
Check for the presence of a special mechanism automatic closing. In older models it could be a spring in the lower loop, in modern ones it could be a magnet or a roller mechanism. When rehanging, such elements often need to be rearranged or replaced with mirror analogues included in the kit.
Removing the refrigerator door
You should always start the process from the top hinge. This is an axiom, since the bottom hinge holds the main weight of the structure. Remove the top hinge mounting bolts, but do not remove them completely until you are ready to remove the door. Have a helper hold the door to prevent it from falling and injuring the floor or your fingers.
After removing the top fasteners, carefully lift the door and remove it from the bottom axis. If your refrigerator has one common door, then at this stage it is completely dismantled. Place the removed part on a soft surface covered with a blanket or cardboard, face down.
Now you need to remove the handles if they are not integrated into the door body. In most cases, they are secured with screws from the inside. Unscrew them and move them to the opposite side using the prepared holes. Do not forget to rearrange the decorative plugs to the old places.
☑️ Checklist before removing the door
Rearranging the lower hinge and axis
The lower hinge is the foundation on which the entire structure rests. In some models, for example Indesit or Atlant, the axle can be pressed into the hinge or into the door body. If the axis is in the door, it must be carefully knocked out or unscrewed and moved into a symmetrical hole on the other side.
If the design includes a rod for opening the bottom valve or air circulation mechanism, it also needs to be moved. This often requires removing the refrigerator base panel. Be careful: the loss or breakage of this element will lead to a loose fit of the door from below.
Fasten the bottom hinge in a new place. Do not tighten the bolts all the way yet; leave a small amount of play for later adjustment. Make sure that the hinge is level and not skewed relative to the body.
| Hinge type | Axis location | Required tool | Repositioning nuance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper | Removable/Fixed | Screwdriver, key | Requires door support |
| Bottom | In the body/In doors | Key, hammer | You need to knock out the axle |
| Medium | Fixed | Hexagon | Often requires dismantling |
| Central | Hidden | Special. key | Disassembly may be required |
Installing the door in a new location
When all fasteners have been transferred, you can begin installation. Carefully slide the door onto the bottom shaft. Make sure it fits snug and straight. Now you need to fix the top loop in a new place. Insert the bolts and lightly tighten them so that the door holds, but is still adjustable.
Check the tightness seal along the entire perimeter. The door should close with a characteristic bang, but without excessive force. If you feel a skew or the door opens by itself, it means that the refrigerator is not level or the hinges are not tightened evenly.
Use a building level to check the horizontalness of the upper edge of the door. Height adjustment is usually done by rotating the legs of the refrigerator or special hinged adjustment bolts. Achieve a position in which the door opens at any angle and remains in this position (if there is no closer function).
What to do if the door does not close tightly?
If there is a gap after rehanging, try heating the seal with a hairdryer. Heat the rubber with warm air (not hot!), then close the door and wait for it to cool. This will help the rubber to straighten out and take the desired shape.
Adjustment and final check
After installation, it is necessary to carry out a thorough check. Open and close the door several times, listening for sounds. A squeak may indicate a lack of lubrication in the hinges, and a dull knock may indicate misalignment. Some models Stinol or Beko require bushings to be replaced when turned over.
Be sure to check the operation of the light switch and door sensor. When opening, the light should come on, and when closing, it should go out. If the sensor is magnetic, make sure that the magnet now falls within the range of the sensor from the new side.
Plug in the refrigerator and let it work for several hours without loading food. Check for condensation on the seal, which may indicate a loose seal. Only after ensuring normal operation can you load products.
⚠️ Attention: The design of the hinges and the presence of mounting holes may vary depending on the specific series and year of manufacture. Always check the technical documentation of your model, as there are no universal solutions.
Frequent errors and ways to eliminate them
One of the most A common mistake is overtightening the bolts. This can lead to deformation of the hinge metal or even a crack in the door body, especially if it is made of thin metal or plastic. Tighten the fasteners with moderate force, using thread locker if necessary.
They also often forget to replace the plugs in the old holes. This not only spoils the appearance, but also allows dust and moisture to penetrate inside the case, which can cause corrosion. All freed holes must be closed.
If the door sags after installation, do not rush to unscrew everything again. Try loosening the fasteners slightly and rocking the door until it snaps into place under its own weight, then tighten it again. Sometimes you need to repeat the procedure 2-3 times.
Is it possible to hang the door on a No Frost refrigerator?
Yes, on refrigerators with the No Frost system the door is hung in the same way as conventional models. The only difference is that you need to be more careful with the air ducts if they pass through the door (in some models to supply cold air). In such cases, it may be necessary to disconnect the corrugated hose.
What to do if the screws from the hinges are lost?
In this case, it is better not to use random screws that may not withstand the load. Contact the manufacturer's service center or a specialized hardware store. They will select fasteners with similar thread and strength parameters for you.
Do you need to call a specialist to re-hang it?
If you have minimal technical skills and you have the necessary tools, you can do it yourself. Calling a technician is justified if the refrigerator is very heavy, under warranty (so as not to break the seals if they are on the hinges) or if you are afraid of damaging expensive equipment.
Does re-hanging the door affect the warranty?
Re-hanging the door yourself, as a rule, is not a basis for voiding the warranty if other components were not damaged in the process refrigerator. However, if you strip the threads or break the glass, the warranty claim will not be recognized. Keep all removed parts.