The need to change the direction of opening the refrigerator door often arises, especially when remodeling the kitchen or moving to a new apartment. Sometimes the standard handle position prevents easy access to shelves, and in narrow spaces the door can touch furniture or interfere with passage. In such situations, rehanging the door becomes the only logical solution to the problem without rearranging all the kitchen furniture.
Modern manufacturers of household appliances, such as LG, Samsung or Indesit, often provide the possibility of reinstalling hinges still at the design stage. However, the process itself requires care, a certain set of tools and an understanding of the design of your unit. Incorrect actions can lead to damage to the case or loss of seal.
In this article we will look in detail at how to perform this procedure yourself, what nuances to consider for different types of refrigerators and how to avoid common mistakes. You will learn how to prepare a workplace, what tools will be needed and what to pay special attention to when installing accessories.
Preparation of tools and workplace
Before proceeding with dismantling, you must carefully prepare the space. A refrigerator is a heavy unit, and working with it suspended or in a tight corner is inconvenient and dangerous. Free up space around the device by moving it away from the wall enough to allow easy access from all sides. Make sure the floor is level and stable.
You will need a basic set of tools for the job. In most cases, it is enough to have Phillips and flathead screwdrivers, wrenches (often 8 or 10 mm in size), and hex keys on hand. Some models, for example, individual series Bosch or Siemens, may require socket wrenches or special bits.
- 🔧 A set of screwdrivers of different sizes for screws of various configurations.
- 🔩 Wrenches or sockets for fastening bolts loops.
- 🧤 Protective gloves to avoid injuring your hands on sharp metal edges.
- 📏 Level to check the horizontal installation after completion of work.
It is important to find and prepare in advance all plugs and decorative elements that come with the refrigerator. They will be needed to cover the hinge holes on the opposite side. If you have lost the complete plugs, you will have to order them separately or select similar ones in color and size.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. This will protect you from electric shock and prevent accidental starting of the compressor while manipulating wiring or sensors.
Design features of different models of refrigerators
The rehanging process directly depends on the type of your refrigeration unit. Single-chamber models, two-chamber systems No Frost and Side-by-Side refrigerators have fundamentally different door fastening schemes. In simple models it is enough to rearrange the loops, while in complex systems it may be necessary to reconnect the wires.
Particular attention should be paid to models with the system No Frost. These refrigerators often have sensors, light switches, or display controls on the inside of the door. This means that you won’t be able to simply remove and turn the door over - you will have to carefully disconnect electrical connectors.
Nuances of hinges for different brands
Atlant refrigerators often have hinges with a universal design that allows you to change sides without replacing parts. At the same time, in some Electrolux or Zanussi models, you may need to replace the hinge itself with a mirror one, which is included in the kit, or flip the existing one according to a special scheme described in the manual.
If you have a Side-by-Side refrigerator, where the doors are located side by side, the procedure may be even more complicated. Often the bottom hinge of this design is load-bearing and requires two people to remove the door. Also, in such models, it is critically important to correctly configure the closer mechanism, if it is provided for in the design.
| Refrigerator type | Complexity | Availability of wiring | Required tools |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-chamber | Low | No | Screwdriver, wrench |
| Double-chamber (classic) | Medium | Often available | Set of keys, pliers |
| Side-by-Side | High | Required | Full set, assistant's help |
| Built-in | High | Depends on the model | Hexagons, screwdrivers |
Always check the manufacturer's instructions before starting work. Technical solutions may differ even within the same model line of different years of manufacture. If the documentation is lost, look for its electronic version according to the exact model of the device.
Dismantling the upper door and preparing for rehanging
We begin the process by dismantling the upper door, since it is usually attached more easily and does not have complex lower fittings. First, remove all shelves and containers from the door to lighten its weight. Then you need to unscrew the top hinge. In some models, it is covered with a decorative plastic panel, which must be carefully pryed off with a flat screwdriver.
After removing the fastening bolts, the upper hinge can be removed. Now the door is only held on by the bottom pin or magnets, so hold it with your other hand. Carefully lift the door, removing it from the lower fastening, and set it in a safe place, it is best to place it on a soft surface so as not to scratch the coating.
☑️ Removing the upper door
At this stage it is important to inspect the holes for loops If you change sides, the old holes on the new side will be plugged, but the old side will still have holes. You will need to rearrange the plugs. In some cases, the holes may be “blind” on one side and through on the other, which simplifies the task.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use excessive force when removing decorative panels. The plastic on older refrigerators can be brittle and crack easily. Use a plastic card or a special tool to open the latches.
If the door has a handle, it may also need to be repositioned. It is usually secured with screws from the inside. Unscrew them, remove the handle and install on the opposite edge using the holes provided by the manufacturer. In some modern models, the handle can be integrated into the profile, and its rearrangement is not required.
Working with the bottom door and electrical connections
The most critical stage is working with the bottom door, especially if it is a freezer with a system No Frost. There is almost always electrical wiring present here to power the fan, defrost heating element or lighting lamp. Before removing the door, you need to find the place where the wires connect.
Usually the connector is located at the top of the lower door, under the upper chamber, or in a special channel along the body. You will need to remove the channel protection cover to gain access to the terminals. Carefully disconnect the connectors, first remembering or photographing their position.
- 📸 Take a photo of the wire connection diagram before disconnecting.
- 🧵 Pull the wires through the hole in the housing to the new side.
- 🔌 Make sure that the wires are not twisted or clamped during installation.
After disconnecting the wires, you can begin to remove the lower loop. It is often more massive than the top one and can be hidden by the base panel of the refrigerator. Remove the panel, unscrew the fasteners and carefully remove the door. When installing on the new side, ensure that the wire harness moves freely through the service channels.
When reassembling, make sure that all electrical contacts are securely connected. Poor contact may cause defrost system malfunction or blown fuses. Check the integrity of the wire insulation to eliminate the risk of a short circuit.
Installing hinges and adjusting the position of doors
After all the doors have been removed and prepared, the installation process on the new side begins. Install the bottom hinge in its new location using the holes that were previously covered with plugs. Screw in the bolts, but do not tighten them all the way yet - this will allow for fine adjustment.
Place the bottom door onto the hinge pin. If the model provides it, install an intermediate strip or decorative element between the chambers. Then install the top hinge and hang the top door. Now you can begin the final adjustment.
Adjustment is necessary to ensure a tight fit of the doors to the body. If the door is skewed, warm air will enter the chamber, which will lead to the formation of ice and increased load on the compressor. Use the adjusting screws on the hinges or tighten the legs of the refrigerator.
Check the operation of the doors: they should open smoothly, without creaking or jamming. If the door opens too tightly or, conversely, slams shut by itself, you may need to adjust the angle of the entire refrigerator using the front support legs.
Typical mistakes and tips for caring for the seal
One of the most common mistakes is ignoring the condition of the rubber seal. When the door is hung, the seal may become deformed or dislodged. If you notice that the elastic has moved away from its place, you need to carefully push it into the groove. In some cases, it may be necessary to heat the seal with a hairdryer to restore elasticity.
The level is also often forgotten. After rearranging the doors, be sure to check that the refrigerator is level. If it is not level, the self-closing mechanism may not work correctly. Use a building level, installing it on the shelves inside the chamber.
Another mistake is the loss of fasteners. It is better to put all bolts, washers and plugs in one container or magnetic tray. Small parts can easily get lost in the carpet pile or roll under the refrigerator, which can stop the entire process.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use force to close the door if it does not close completely. This may damage the seal or deform the housing. First, check the adjustment of the legs and the position of the hinges.
After completing all work, wipe the seal with a soft cloth soaked in soapy water and lubricate it with a special product or glycerin to extend its service life. This will ensure tightness and silent operation of your refrigerator for a long time.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to hang the door on the refrigerator if the instructions say that this is impossible?
If the instructions explicitly state that the model does not allow for hanging, then most likely the case does not have corresponding holes or hinges on the other side. Trying to do this yourself will require drilling the body and making fasteners, which will void the warranty and may break the seal.
What to do if, after rehanging, the door does not fit tightly?
Most likely, the problem is in the adjustment. Try unscrewing or tightening the refrigerator's front support legs to change its tilt. Also check to see if anything inside (such as an improperly installed shelf) is preventing it from closing tightly. Make sure the rubber seal is clean and flexible.
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before hanging the doors?
Full defrosting is not necessary if you work quickly. However, if you plan to keep the doors open for a long time, the ice may begin to melt. It is recommended to turn off the refrigerator and let it stand for 15-20 minutes so that the plastic becomes less fragile, and also remove all products to make the structure lighter.
Is it possible to call a specialist to rehang the door?
Yes, many service centers provide such a service. This makes sense if you do not have the tools, confidence in your abilities, or if the refrigerator is under warranty (although re-hanging it yourself is often allowed if the components are not damaged).