Changing the kitchen layout or buying new furniture often dictates the conditions for the location of household appliances. The situation when refrigerator you have to put it in an inconvenient place because of the direction in which the sash opens is familiar to many owners. Fortunately, most modern models, be it Indesit, LG or Atlant, have the constructive ability to change the side of the hinge.
The rehanging process does not require calling a specialist if you have minimal skills in working with tools and are careful. In this article we will look at how to correctly dismantle fittings and reinstall them on the opposite end of the case, maintaining the tightness and appearance of the unit.
Before starting work, it is important to make sure that your model really supports this option. Sometimes decorative plugs are just an imitation, and holes in the body they are not through or do not have a thread. Checking the technical documentation or visual inspection of the ends will help avoid disappointment.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any manipulations, be sure to disconnect the unit from the power supply and remove all shelves to avoid injury and damage to the internal contents.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
To successfully complete the task, you will need a minimum set tools, which is usually found in every home. The main element will be a set of screwdrivers, including both flat and Phillips versions, since manufacturers use different types fasteners. In some cases, you may need a wrench or 8 or 10 mm socket.
It would also be a good idea to prepare masking tape to secure the moving parts and a soft rag so as not to scratch the glossy surface when working. If you work alone, you should find a stop or ask someone to back up door leaf at the moment of unscrewing the hinges.
- 🛠️ A set of screwdrivers (phillips and flat) for removing screws.
- 🔧 Wrench or socket head for bolts.
- 🧹 Soft cloth for wiping surfaces and protecting the floor.
- 📦 Container for folding small parts and accessories.
Organize the work space so that around the refrigerator there was plenty of room to maneuver. It is better to immediately sort the removed parts so as not to confuse screws from the upper and lower loops, which may differ in length.
☑️ Preparation for rehanging
Analysis of the structure and removal of the top panel
The first stage is always the dismantling of the upper part of the structure. Depending on the model, you may need to remove the decorative cover or the entire top panel of the case. It is usually secured with latches or screws hidden under plastic plugs.
Carefully pry up the plugs with a flat-head screwdriver, being careful not to damage the plastic. If the panel is held on latches, proceed carefully so as not to break the latches. After removing the panel, access to the upper fastening of the door will open.
At this stage, it is important to remember the location of all elements, since assembly will be done in the reverse order. Some models Bosch or Siemens have a complex system for fastening the top cover, requiring the removal of additional decorative elements.
Features of two-chamber models
If you have a refrigerator with two doors (freezer camera separately), the process begins with removing the top door. First, the upper leaf is dismantled, then the middle hinge, and only after that the lower door is transferred to new fastenings.
Dismantling the door and rearranging the fittings
The most crucial moment is removing the door leaf itself. The top hinge is usually screwed to the end of the door and to the frame. Having unscrewed the bolts connecting the hinge to body, you need to hold the door with your second hand or ask an assistant.
After the door is removed, you need to dismantle the handle and free the holes on the opposite end from the plugs. Plugs carefully remove with a knife or a thin screwdriver and installed on the vacated holes on the working side.
Now you need to move the lock latch rod (if any) and hinges to new places. Please note that the counterpart of the lock also requires rearrangements on the opposite side of the refrigerator body. To do this, remove the panel with the latch mechanism.
| Element | Action | Tool |
|---|---|---|
| Upper loop | Transfer to the opposite end | Screwdriver / Key |
| Door handle | Dismantling and installation on the other side | Hexagon |
| Plugs | Swap (working ↔ decor) | Knife / Screwdriver |
| Latch latch | Rearranging the rod and mating part | Flat screwdriver |
It is important not to lose a single screw, since equipment it may differ from one brand to another, and it can be difficult to find a replacement for specific fasteners.
Installing the door on the new side
When all the preparatory work is completed and the fittings are moved to the new end, you can begin installation. Install the bottom hinge in a new place, having first leveled the door. This is critical to ensuring proper fitting sealing.
Lift the door and slide it onto the bottom pin, then screw the top hinge to the body. Do not immediately tighten the bolts until they stop; give yourself the opportunity to adjust the position of the blade. Make sure that the gaps around the perimeter are the same and there are no distortions.
After final fixation, check the operation of the door. It should open smoothly, without squeaks, and when closing, fit tightly to the body around the entire perimeter. If you notice gapsthe height of the refrigerator legs may need to be adjusted.
⚠️ Attention: If after installation the door does not close tightly, check if anything is interfering with the seal, and make sure that the refrigerator is standing strictly vertically or with a slight tilt back.
Nuances for models with the No Frost system
Owners of equipment with system No Frost you should be especially careful. In these models, an electrical wire often runs through the top hinge, powering the sensors or display on the door. It must be carefully disconnected before removing the canvas.
When rehanging, the wires may require extension or re-soldering if the standard length is not enough for the new configuration. In some cases, manufacturers provide additional contacts or connectors in the kit, but this is rare.
If you are not confident in your abilities when working with electricians, it is better to contact a specialist. Incorrect connection can lead to malfunction electronics or malfunction of the defrost system.
After connecting the wires, make sure that they are not pinched in loops or rubbing against moving parts. The insulation must be reliable to avoid short circuits in high humidity conditions.
Adjustment and leak testing
The final stage is checking the quality of the work performed. Visually inspect the contact perimeter seal. It should evenly touch the body along its entire length. If a gap is visible in any place, the door is skewed.
To adjust, use the adjusting screws on the hinges (if provided by the design) or change the height of the front supports of the refrigerator. The correct position is ensured by self-closing the door when it is opened to an angle of more than 30-45 degrees.
Carry out a test with a sheet of paper: clamp the sheet between the door and the body at different points. It must be pulled out with force. If the paper falls out freely or breaks with a sharp jerk, the seal is broken and will come out. cold will leave.
- 👀 Visual inspection of the contact line of the seal.
- 📄 Test with a sheet paper around the entire perimeter.
- 🚪 Checking the smooth operation and self-closing.
- ❄️ Checking the operation of the internal lighting (should go out).
Remember that after installation the refrigerator must stand turned off for some time if work has been done with refrigerant (although when overweighting the door rarely needs this), but in our case it is enough to simply let the equipment cool down before loading products.
What to do if, after rehanging, the door begins to close worse?
Most likely, the geometry of the installation is broken. Check the floor level and height of the refrigerator legs. Also make sure that the seal is not wrapped inward during installation and that shelves or products are not pressing on it.
Is it possible to rehang a door if there are no holes on the body?
If the manufacturer has not provided technological holes and plugs on the opposite side, then it is impossible to rehang the door using the factory method. Drilling new holes can damage the insulation and disrupt the operation of the unit.
Do I need to call a professional to rehang the door?
In most cases, this is a simple procedure that can be done by any home handyman. Calling a specialist is only necessary if your model has a complex system of wires in loops or the necessary tools are missing.
Will the refrigerator settings be lost when re-hung?
No, the electronic control board is located in a separate block and is not connected to the mechanical position of the door. However, if you disconnected the sensor wires, make sure that the connectors are inserted until they click.