The situation when after purchasing a new refrigerator or while rearranging the kitchen, it turns out that the door opens in the wrong directionis familiar to many. This can block a passage, prevent adjacent cabinets from opening, or simply disrupt the ergonomics of the work triangle. Fortunately, most modern models, be it Indesit, LG or Atlant, provide the ability to change the opening side.
The rehanging process does not require calling a specialist and special technical skills, however he demands care and accuracy. An incorrect sequence of actions can lead to damage facade panel or failure of the seal. In this article, we will look at all the nuances, from preparing tools to final adjustment of gaps, so that you can complete the job efficiently and safely.
Before starting work, it is important to make sure that your model really supports this function. Although this is standard for most two-chamber units, some budget or specific options (for example, with a built-in ice maker on the door) may not have holes for hinges on the back side. Checking technical documentation or visual inspection of the end of the cabinet is the first step that cannot be ignored.
Required tools and workplace preparation
High-quality preparation is the key to the success of the entire operation. You don't need complex professional tools, but you should have some basic tools on hand to work with fasteners. Not having the right screwdriver at the right time can lead to broken screw heads, which will greatly complicate the process.
Free up space in front of the refrigerator. You will need to ensure that the unit is accessible from all sides as you may have to tilt it or walk around it. Remove carpets so that they do not interfere, and lay a soft cloth or cardboard on the floor so as not to scratch floor covering or the device itself in case of accidental contact.
Here is a list of what you will need for work:
- 🔧 A set of screwdrivers (phillips and flathead) or a screwdriver with appropriate bits.
- 🔑 Wrenches or sockets (sizes 8, 10 mm are often required).
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges.
- 🧼 Spatula or a flat object for snapping off the plastic plugs.
⚠️ Attention: If your refrigerator is equipped with a system No Frost with a display on the door, be sure to disconnect the device from the power supply before starting work. Working with electrical components requires compliance with safety measures, even if you are simply changing the position of the door.
Removing the top panel and removing the door
The first step is always to release the upper part of the unit. In most models, the top cover of the refrigerator compartment is fixed with bolts hidden under decorative plugs. Carefully pry them off with a flat screwdriver, being careful not to damage the plastic, and unscrew the fasteners.
After removing the cover, the top hinge will open in front of you. Before unscrewing it, you must lock the door in the open position or ask an assistant to hold it. The doors of modern refrigerators are heavy, and falling glass shelf or the door itself can lead to injury or glass breakage.
☑️ Removal procedure
Having unscrewed the bolts of the top hinge, carefully lift the door, removing it from the bottom pin. Place the sash in a safe place, having first removed all removable elements from it, such as handles or decorative trims, if they interfere with further work. Now access to the internal mechanisms and the lower hinge is open.
Moving the fittings and changing the opening side
The most critical stage is rearranging the hinges and handles. At the opposite end of the case there are usually preserved holes closed with plastic plugs. You need to remove the plugs from the working side and move them to the opposite side, where the open holes are now located.
Remove the lower hinge and the mating part of the upper hinge. Move them to the new side using the prepared holes. Make sure the bottom hinge pin is firmly seated and locked into place. For reliable fixation, force may be required, but act carefully so as not to strip the threads in the metal case. If your model provides for rearranging the handle, carefully examine the mechanism for securing it. Often it is held on by screws that are accessible only after removing the decorative trim or the door itself. Transfer the handle to the new side, following the diagram in the instructions for your model metal case.
If your model provides for rearranging the handle, carefully study the mechanism for securing it. Often it is held on by screws that are accessible only after removing the decorative trim or the door itself. Transfer the handle to the new side, following the diagram in the instructions for your model Bosch or Samsung.
It is important to check that the new configuration does not interfere with the opening of adjacent drawers or freezer doors. The mechanics should work smoothly, without jamming or creaking. If you feel resistance, check that the hinges are installed correctly.
Features of models with a display and the No Frost system
Owning a modern refrigerator with electronics on the door imposes additional requirements. In such models, a cable of wires often passes through the top hinge, connecting the display and control buttons to the main control unit inside the case.
When removing the top hinge, be extremely careful. Do not jerk the door sharply so as not to damage electric cable. You will need to carefully unplug the connectors before completely removing the door. When reinstalling, the cable must be laid along a new path corresponding to the new opening side.
| Connection type | Dismantling features | Risks |
|---|---|---|
| Latch connector | Press the latch and pull | Break the plastic latch |
| Pin connection | Gently tighten with force | Bend the contacts |
| Screw fastening | Unscrew the terminal screws | Lose the screws or mix up the wires |
After connecting, check the functionality of the display by turning on the refrigerator before final assembly. If the screen does not light up or shows an error, check the tightness of the cable connection in the connector controller.
Adjusting the position of doors and gaps
After the door is installed in a new location, adjustment may be required. The gaps between the door and the body must be uniform around the entire perimeter. If you notice a misalignment, do not panic - this can be solved with the adjusting screws.
Loosen the hinge mounting bolts (without unscrewing them completely) and smoothly move the door in the desired direction. Once the ideal position is achieved, tighten the bolts. Pay special attention to the fit magnetic seal along the entire contour.
Check the tightness with a simple test: clamp a sheet of paper between the door and the body in different places. If the paper is pulled out with slight resistance around the entire perimeter, then the seal is correct. If in some place the sheet falls out freely, additional adjustment of the loop is required.
Typical errors and precautions
Even experienced craftsmen can make a mistake if they act inattentively. One of the common problems is the loss of fasteners. Small screws and plugs easily get lost in the carpet pile or roll under the refrigerator. Work in a bright, clean place.
⚠️ Warning: Never use force to close a door unless it closes tightly. This may indicate that the hinge is skewed or a foreign object has entered the seal. Using excessive force will lead to deformation metal frame of the door.
Another mistake is ignoring the manufacturer’s instructions. The design of hinges for different brands (Liebherr, Whirlpool, Haier) may differ significantly. What worked on one refrigerator may not be acceptable on another.
What to do if the plug is lost?
If you have lost a decorative plug for an old hole, do not leave the hole open. This compromises thermal insulation and aesthetics. You can order a set of plugs at the service center or use furniture stickers to match the color of the refrigerator body.
After completing all work, let the refrigerator stand turned off for 15-20 minutes before starting, especially if you tilted it more than 40 degrees. This is necessary to allow oil to drain into the compressor.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to hang the door on a refrigerator with a built-in ice maker?
In most cases, no. The water supply pipes and ice maker mechanisms are rigidly tied to one side. Transfer is possible only if the model initially provides such an option and the kit comes with extended hoses, which is extremely rare.
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before transferring?
Full defrosting is not necessary if you work quickly. However, if there is a lot of ice in the freezer, it is better to defrost the unit in advance. Tilts of a full refrigerator can lead to water leakage or damage to internal partitions.
What to do if, after rehanging, the door opens by itself?
This is a sign that the refrigerator is not level. Tilt your body back (the back should be slightly higher than the front) using the adjustable legs. Gravity will help the door close on its own.
Will the warranty remain valid after re-hanging it yourself?
According to the law, the consumer has the right to service the equipment themselves if this does not lead to a breakdown. However, if you damage the cable or break the thread when rearranging, warranty repairs may be denied. Proceed with caution.