Many owners of household appliances are faced with a situation where, after moving or remodeling the kitchen, the standard location of the refrigerator door becomes inconvenient. Re-hanging the door This is a completely solvable problem that allows you to adapt the unit to new space conditions without loss of functionality. In most modern models, manufacturers provide the possibility of changing the opening side, however, the process requires care and adherence to a certain sequence of actions.
Before starting work, you need to evaluate the design features of your device, since different brands, such as LG, Indesit or Atlant, may have fastening mechanisms differ significantly. Improper dismantling can lead to damage seal or deformation of the blade, so it is important to prepare the necessary tools in advance and free up the work space. In this article we will look in detail at how to safely reinstall the hinge.
It is worth noting that not all refrigerators can be modified in this regard. If you are the owner of a budget model with fixed handles or a monolithic body, changing the opening side may be technically impossible without violating the warranty or structural integrity. Built-in models Often require the removal of decorative panels, which adds complexity to the process.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
To successfully complete the job, you will need a minimum set of tools that can be found in the arsenal of any home craftsman. The main element will be a set of screwdrivers, including Phillips and flat slots of different sizes, since the hinge screws can have different heads. You may also need hex wrench (often included with the refrigerator) to adjust the support legs or specific fasteners.
It is important to ensure the stability of the unit during work. Since you will have to exert physical effort to hold the heavy door, it is recommended to call an assistant. If this is not possible, prepare stops or stands in advance to fix the position of the equipment and prevent it from tipping over during the removal process top hinge.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any dismantling work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply! Remove the plug from the socket to avoid short circuit or electric shock if the wiring is accidentally damaged.
Prepare a soft surface on the floor where you will place the removed parts. This will prevent scratches on the floor and the safety of fastening elements. Also stock up on a container for screws so that small parts do not get lost during the work process, since their number can be significant.
- 🔧 Set of screwdrivers (Phillips, flat, Torx).
- 🔩 Hex keys (usually 4-6 mm).
- 🧤 Work gloves for protection of hands from sharp edges.
- 🧼 Clean rags for wiping fastening points.
☑️ Preparation for rehanging
Analysis of the design and the possibility of re-hanging
The first step is a careful study of the technical documentation or a visual inspection of the case. On many models, for example Bosch or Samsung, decorative plugs can already be installed on the opposite side, and pre-drilled mounting holes threaded in the metal of the case. Their presence is the main sign that the manufacturer has provided a reverse function.
If holes are visible on one side, and on the other there is only smooth metal or plastic inserts that cannot be removed, then your model probably does not support changing the opening side. In some cases, it is necessary to replace the door itself or purchase a special one, which is sold separately at service centers. repair kit, which is sold separately at service centers.
Pay special attention to the handles. Contemporary designs often feature hidden handles or integrated profiles. If the handle is part of the body or has a complex fastening system on only one side, it may not be possible to turn the door over. Make sure that the holes for fasteners at the end of the door are symmetrical.
What to do if there are no holes?
If the body does not have holes for hinges on the desired side, you absolutely cannot drill them yourself. This will damage the thermal insulation and lead to corrosion. In this case, changing the side is impossible.
Also check the condition of the sealing rubber. During long-term use, it could become deformed at the current opening angle. When re-hanging seal it may not fit tightly right away, requiring time to restore shape or replacement.
Removing the upper and lower hinges
The removal process begins from the top of the unit. Carefully remove the decorative plug or cover that hides the top hinge mounting bolts. In models with a display on the door (for example, some series LG), you must first disconnect the wiring harnesses going to the control panel so as not to damage them when removing the panel.
After unscrewing the top bolts, the door must be held, since it is no longer fixed at the top point. Have an assistant hold the door firmly until you completely remove the fasteners. Then carefully lift the door to remove its pin from the bottom hinge, and set it in a safe place, placing it on a soft surface.
⚠️ Attention: Do not make sudden jerks when removing the door. There is a capillary tube of the cooling system running inside the canvas, damage to which will lead to freon leakage and costly repairs.
After removing the door, proceed to dismantling the lower hinge. Often it is hidden under a decorative strip near the floor. Unscrew the mounting bolts and remove the hinge from the body. Now you have access to both ends of the refrigerator to reinstall the elements.
- 🔌 Disconnect the wire connectors (if any).
- 🔓 Remove the protective caps from the bolts.
- 🔧 Unscrew the top hinge bolts.
- 🚪 Remove the door and dismantle the lower hinge.
Transferring elements and fittings
The next stage is moving the fasteners to the opposite side. Take the removed bottom hinge and install it on the other side of the top of the case using the factory provided holes. Tighten the bolts, but do not apply maximum force yet, so that if necessary, you can make adjustment.
Now let's deal with the door leaf. It is necessary to rearrange the handle (if it is removable) and move the opening limiter. A stopper is a small plastic or metal pin that prevents the door from opening in the wrong direction. It is removed from one end and inserted into a hole at the opposite end.
Some models Indesit or Stinol require the rearrangement of special bushings or pins inside the door itself. This may require removing the bottom of the door or removing the interior panel. Carefully follow the order in which the parts are removed to reassemble them in the reverse order without errors.
Don't forget to move the stoppers and plugs to the vacant spaces on the same side. This will provide an aesthetic appearance and protect the holes from dust. If a magnetic holder or latch was installed on the door, it also needs to be moved.
Installing the door in a new location
When all the elements are prepared and moved to new locations, you can begin installation. Place the bottom hinge in its new location on the refrigerator body and securely secure it with the bolts. Make sure that it sits level and has no play, since this is baseon which the entire structure will rest.
Place the door with the bottom pin in the groove of the bottom hinge. While holding the door upright, align the top holes with the top hinge mate. Insert the mounting bolts and begin tightening them. At this stage, the help of a second person is also highly desirable.
After fixing the top hinge, check the free movement of the door. It should open smoothly, without jamming, and close tightly. If the door is skewed or does not fit around the perimeter, you will need to height adjustment refrigerator support legs or loosen the hinge bolts for alignment.
| Element | Action | Tool | Nuance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper loop | Transfer to the other side | Screwdriver/Key | Keep an eye on wires |
| Bottom hinge | Installation in new holes | Hexagon | Support of the entire door |
| Limiter | Rearrangement at the end | Flat screwdriver | Do not lose the pin |
| Handle | Dismantling and installation | Phillips screwdriver | Symmetry of fasteners |
Adjustment and checking the tightness
After installation, you need to make sure that the fit is tight seal along the entire perimeter. Take a sheet of paper, hold it closed with the door and try to pull it out. If the paper comes out too easily or, conversely, is difficult to pull out, it means that the fit is uneven and adjustment is required.
To level the door, use the adjustable supports at the bottom of the refrigerator. By rotating the front legs, you can raise or lower the corresponding angle of the unit, achieving the correct tilt back, which helps the door close itself. You can also slightly loosen the hinge fastenings and move the leaf in the desired direction.
⚠️ Attention: If after adjustment there is still a gap between the door and the body, the seal may have lost its elasticity. Warm it up with a hairdryer (without overheating!) or replace it with a new one.
Let the refrigerator stand off for about 2-3 hours before turning it on, especially if you tilted the unit strongly during work. This is necessary so that the oil in the compressor flows into the crankcase. After switching on, check the operation after a few hours.
- 📄 Checking the pressure with a sheet of paper.
- 📏 Visual inspection of the gaps.
- 🔄 Checking the smoothness of the move.
- ⏳ Wait before turning on.
Why does the door not close after rehanging?
Most often the reason is an incorrectly installed limiter or a misalignment of the body. Check if anything inside (shelves, food) is in the way and if the refrigerator is level on the floor.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to hang the door on a two-chamber refrigerator?
Yes, in most two-chamber models (Indesit, Atlant, Beko) you can hang both doors. However, this is a more labor-intensive process, since it is necessary to sequentially remove the upper and lower doors, rearranging the hinges and fittings for each chamber separately. It is important to follow the order of dismantling: first the top, then the bottom.
Do you need a special tool for Samsung models?
For most models Samsung a standard Phillips screwdriver and hexagon are sufficient. However, some premium series may use Torx screws, so it is better to have an expanded set of bits. Also be careful with display wiring.
What if the holes on the new side don't line up?
If the holes don't line up or aren't there at all, it means the model is not designed to be re-mounted by the manufacturer. You cannot drill new holes - this will damage the thermal insulation layer. You will have to leave the door as is or contact the service to look for rare original components, if they exist.
Will the temperature change when re-hanging?
No, mechanically rearranging the door does not affect the temperature settings or electronics if you handled the wires carefully. However, after switching on, the refrigerator will take time (up to 24 hours) to reach the specified operating mode, especially if it has been turned off for a long time.