Rearrangement kitchen furniture or a change in layout often dictates new rules of ergonomics, forcing you to think about how to turn the door on the refrigerator in the other direction. This procedure allows you to adapt the equipment to a left- or right-hand passage, making access to products more convenient. Many users are afraid to take on such work on their own, for fear of damaging the hinges or breaking the tightness, however, modern models Liebherr, Bosch and Indesit are designed taking into account the possibility of dismantling.
In the process of work, you will have to face fittingsrequiring careful handling, and the need permutations magnetic locks. It is important to understand that not all models can be converted: some budget options have a monolithic body design or hidden fasteners that do not allow for transfer. Before starting any manipulations, it is critical to disconnect the device from the power supply to avoid short circuits when working with metal tools.
In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions, the necessary tools and specific nuances for various types of hinges. You will learn how to properly dismantle heavy canvases without damaging the floor covering, and how to set up closers after installation. Proper execution of all stages will ensure that your refrigerator will operate silently, and the sealing rubber will ensure a perfect fit.
Necessary tools and preparation of the work area
High-quality preparation of the site and the availability of the right tools are half the success of the entire operation. For most models, you will need a set hex wrenches (often in metric sizes), since appliance manufacturers rarely use standard Phillips head screws. It would also be a good idea to prepare open-end wrenches pliers in case some nuts are stuck or tightened with excessive force.
Pay special attention to protecting the floor and the equipment itself. A heavy door can scratch laminate or linoleum if moved carelessly, so lay thick cardboard or a soft blanket under the work area in advance. You will also need:
- 🛠️ A set of screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead) for removing decorative plugs.
- 🔧 Hex keys (usually 4, 5 or 6 mm) for removing hinges.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal edges.
- 📦 A small container for storing screws so that they do not get lost.
⚠️ Attention: If your refrigerator is built into a kitchen unit, make sure that there is sufficient clearance on the opposite side of the planned opening. The door should not rest against the cabinet wall or adjacent equipment.
Organize good lighting in the work area. Dim light may cause you to miss the small set screw or install it incorrectly. It is better to immediately sort all removed fasteners according to disassembly stages, so that during assembly there is no confusion about which part comes from where. small locking screw or incorrectly installed decorative trim. It is better to immediately sort all removed fasteners according to disassembly stages, so that during assembly there is no confusion about which part comes from where.
Design analysis: possibility of reversing
Before grabbing the tools, you need to make sure that the model of your refrigerator technically supports changing the opening side. Carefully inspect the end part of the body: if there are no technological holes and threaded bushings on the opposite side of the current door, then alteration is impossible without complex drilling, which will void the warranty.
For many models, the top hinge is hidden under a decorative cover, which must be carefully pryed off with a knife or flat-head screwdriver. In some cases, for example, refrigerators Samsung or LG, it may be necessary to remove the entire top panel. Study the instructions to understand the type of your hinge group -it may be rotary or require complete replacement of elements.
There is a table of compatibility types of fasteners that will help you navigate the design:
| Hinge type | Features | Complexity |
|---|---|---|
| Open external | Visible bolts, easy to remove | Low |
| Hidden top | Requires removal of the decorative cover | Medium |
| Integrated | Part of the case, often not rearranged | High |
| C closer | Requires adjustment of the return mechanism | High |
⚠️ Attention: For two-compressor models, each chamber (refrigerator and freezer) may have an independent opening system. Check the possibility of hanging both doors separately.
If you find that the holes on the back side are filled with plastic or sealed, do not try to drill them yourself. This will disrupt the thermal insulation of the housing and lead to the formation of condensation inside the walls. In such cases, the only solution is to leave the door as is or contact a specialized service, although even there you may be refused.
Dismantling the upper and lower hinges
The process of removing doors always begins with the upper fastening, since it is this that holds the main weight of the leaf. First, remove the decorative plug, then loosen the mounting bolts, but do not unscrew them completely at once. Have an assistant hold the door so that it does not fall on your feet while the fasteners are completely removed.
After removing the top hinge, carefully lift the door and remove it from the bottom hinge pin. Now you can begin to dismantle the lower mount. Clean the vacated area from dust and old grease, as new hinges must be installed on a clean surface for proper operation.
When working with mechanisms closers be especially careful. There may be a spring inside under tension. If you feel resistance, do not use brute force - find a locking mechanism or clamp that releases the tension. Improper dismantling can lead to injury or breakage of plastic elements.
☑️ Check before dismantling
Temporarily install the removed hinges and fasteners in new places (on the opposite side), simply tightening the bolts so as not to lose them and not to confuse the left and right holes. This will also allow you to check whether the holes on the body match the holes on the door after rearranging it.
Rearranging handles and fittings
The most time-consuming step is moving the handle. On many models, such as Beko or Atlant, the handle is attached to screws that are accessible only from the inside of the door. You will have to carefully remove the inner plastic panel (often it is held on by latches) to get to the fasteners.
If the handle is integrated (cutout in the body), then this step is skipped. However, if it's an overlay, make sure you don't mix up the top and bottom when you move it, especially if the handle has an asymmetrical shape. Sometimes it is necessary to replace decorative plugs on the holes: those that were hidden become visible, and vice versa.
- 🖐️ Remove the old handle by unscrewing the screws from the inside.
- 🔄 Install plugs in the old holes to hide the voids.
- 🔩 Screw the handle to the new location using the holes on the opposite side.
- 🧼 Wipe the installation area to degrease the surface before final tightening.
What to do if the holes do not match?
Some models require moving the mounting sleeves inside the door to reposition the handle. To do this, you need to remove the inner wall and move the metal or plastic guides to symmetrical places.
Don't forget about the magnetic door opening sensor (reed switch). It is usually located at the top of the cabinet or in the door itself. It must be moved to the opposite side, otherwise the refrigerator will “think” that the door is open and will not cool, constantly making sound signals.
Installing the door on the new side
Now that all the preparatory stages have been completed, you can begin installation. Install the bottom hinge to the new location using the prepared holes. Tighten the bolts snugly, but leave a little play for final adjustment. Place the door on the bottom hinge pin, holding it in a vertical position.
Align the door with the body and secure the top hinge. At this stage, it is important not to completely tighten the bolts - first you need to achieve the ideal position of the blade. The gaps between the door and the body must be the same along the entire length.
⚠️ Attention: When installing a heavy freezer door, make sure that the bottom hinge pin is fully seated. Incomplete seating will lead to misalignment and rapid wear of the seal.
If your model has No Frost system, make sure that the air ducts are not pinched when closing the door. Check the free movement of the dampers if they are mechanically linked to the door position. After the initial fixation, check how the door closes: it should fit tightly around the entire perimeter.
Final adjustment and check tightness
The last and most important stage is adjustment. If the door is skewed, loosen the top hinge and, slightly rocking the door, achieve parallelism with the lines of the body. Then tighten the bolts. Check the operation closer: when the door is opened at an angle of about 30-45 degrees, it should close on its own.
To check the tightness, use a simple test with a sheet of paper. Clamp the sheet between the door and the body in different places around the perimeter. If the sheet is pulled out with force, the seal is good. If the sheet falls out or slides too easily, the hinges need to be tightened or the sealing rubber must be replaced.
After all the manipulations, turn on the refrigerator. Let it run for 15-20 minutes and check to see if the door open light comes on. Also listen to the work: there should be no extraneous knocks or creaks.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to rotate the door on the refrigerator if it is built into the kitchen?
This is possible, but difficult. You will need enough clearance on the opposite side to open the door and have room to maneuver during removal. It is often necessary to dismantle adjacent kitchen modules.
What to do if, after rehanging, the door does not close completely?
Most likely, the angle of the cabinet is broken or the height of the adjustable supports of the refrigerator is incorrectly set. Also check if there is anything in the way inside (shelves, food) and if the magnetic sensor is installed correctly.
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before the procedure?
Yes, this is highly recommended. Full shelves and drawers significantly increase the weight of the door, which increases the risk of dropping it or damaging the shelves when dismantling. In addition, water from melted ice can leak when the case is tilted.
Will the temperature settings be lost after a shutdown?
In modern models with electronic control, the settings may be reset to factory settings. In mechanical models (controller with numbers), the settings are saved, since there is no memory. It is recommended to take a photo of the settings before turning it off.