Situations when the standard opening of the refrigerator door becomes an obstacle to comfortable use of the kitchen arise quite often. This may be due to rearrangement of furniture, layout features, or simply a desire to make the operation of equipment more ergonomic. Fortunately, most modern models, be it Bosch, LG or Indesit, are initially designed with the ability to change the opening side.
The rehanging process does not require calling a specialist and complex tools, however, it requires attentiveness, accuracy and strict adherence to the sequence of actions. Incorrect installation can lead to misalignment, leakage or damage to the housing. In this article, we will analyze in detail how to perform this procedure yourself, what nuances to take into account and how to avoid common mistakes.
Before you begin, it is important to make sure that your model really supports such a modification. Although this occurs in 90% of cases, there are exceptions, especially in budget segments or specific designer series. If you are ready to work, prepare the workplace and the necessary tools.
Preparation of the workplace and tools
Quality preparation is half the success of any installation job. You will need free space in front of the refrigerator to be able to stand back and evaluate the result, as well as a place to store dismantled parts. Empty shelves and drawers in advance to reduce the weight of the structure and avoid products falling when the unit is tilted.
As for tools, the basic set usually includes screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead), wrenches or a set of sockets, as well as hexagons. Some models Samsung or Haier may require a special key, which is often included in the delivery kit, but if it is lost, it can be easily replaced with a regular open-end wrench of the appropriate size.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply! This is critical for safety, as you will be working with metal elements in close proximity to electrical components and wiring.
It is a good idea to have a soft cloth or cardboard ready to place under the bottom of the refrigerator if you need to tilt it slightly, or to protect the floor from being scratched by heavy tools. Also have a container ready for storing screws so you don’t lose any fasteners in the process.
- 🛠️ A set of screwdrivers of different sizes and slot types.
- 🔧 Wrenches or socket heads (often 8 mm, 10 mm).
- 🔩 Hex keys (imbus).
- 🧤 Construction gloves to protect hands from sharp edges.
- 🧼 Rags and cleaning agent for caring for seals.
☑️ Checking readiness for work
Removing the top panel and removing the door
The first step in the process hanging the door is to remove the top cover of the refrigerator, if it is structurally provided for by the model. Many refrigerators have a top panel that is secured with screws at the front or back, or may also be held in place with latches. Carefully unscrew all visible fasteners and slide the cover back or up to gain access to the upper hinge bracket.
Next you need to release the upper hinge. In some models, for example, a number of refrigerators Atlant or Stinol, the hinge axis may be hidden under a decorative plug. Remove it, remove the bolts and carefully lift the door to remove it from the bottom stud. It is better to perform this operation together, since the door with the seal and shelves can be quite heavy.
After removing the main door, if you have a two-chamber refrigerator, a similar procedure must be done with the freezer door. Be sure to mark or lay out the screws separately for the top and bottom doors, as their length and threads may differ. Mixed-up fasteners can lead to stripped threads or a loose fit.
What to do if the screws are rusty?
If you find that the mounting bolts are heavily oxidized and cannot be unscrewed, do not use excessive force to avoid tearing off the cap. Treat the joints with a penetrating lubricant (such as WD-40), wait 10-15 minutes and try again. As a last resort, you can gently heat the metal with a hairdryer, but avoid hot air getting on the plastic case and seals.
The removed doors should be carefully set aside, supporting them against the wall through a soft pad, so as not to damage the internal coating or glass of the shelves. Now you have access to the end of the case, where the main manipulations with the fastening holes will be performed.
Transferring fasteners and hinges
The most critical stage is moving the fastening elements to the opposite side. At the end of the refrigerator you will see a number of holes: some of them are occupied by screws, and some are closed with plastic plugs. Your task is to unscrew all the screws on one side and move them to symmetrical holes on the other side.
It is important to pay attention to the design of the hinges themselves. In most cases they are symmetrical and universal, but sometimes it is necessary to turn the loop upside down or move the pin to a different position within the part itself. Carefully study the instructions for your model Liebherr or Bekoif it is still available, since the design may differ.
| Element | Action for left-hand opening | Action for right-hand opening opening | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top hinge | Move to the right end | Move to the left end | Check the axis orientation |
| Middle bracket | Rearrange the screws in mirror order | Rearrange the screws in mirror image | Critical for two-chamber |
| Lower support | Move to the opposite side | Move to the opposite side | Height adjustment |
| Plugs | Install in the vacated holes | Install in the vacated holes | For aesthetics and protection |
Do not forget to rearrange the opening limiter, if it is provided for in the design. This is usually a plastic or metal stop that prevents the door from swinging open more than 90-110 degrees. It must also be moved to the new side, otherwise the door will rest against the side of the refrigerator.
Rearranging handles and fittings
If your refrigerator is equipped with built-in or overhead handles, they also need to be moved. In models with hidden handles (a recess at the end of the door), this step is skipped. However, if the handle is a separate element, remove it from its old place and secure it to a symmetrical hole on the other side of the door.
It often happens that the holes for the handles on the back side are closed with decorative plugs that need to be carefully removed. In some cases, especially older models or refrigerators with a custom design, you may need to drill new holes, but this is the exception. Brands like Electrolux or Candy are characterized by the presence of universal perforation.
When installing handles, make sure that they are tightened evenly. Weak fasteners the handle will dangle and over time will loosen the seat, and too strong tightening may damage the plastic door body.
- 🔍 Check that all necessary holes are present on the back side.
- 🔩 Use the original screws that come with the handle.
- 🧱 Make sure that the handle does not touch the body when opening.
- ✨ Wipe the door surface before installing new fittings.
Door installation and final assembly
After all the hinges, brackets and stops have been moved to new places, you can begin installing the doors. Start with the bottom door (freezer) if you have a two-compartment refrigerator. Place the bottom hinge onto the stud, align the door, and secure the top bracket for that section.
Then install the top refrigerator door. It is important to follow the sequence: first the bottom, then the top. When installing, make sure that the door sits evenly on the axis and there are no distortions. Tighten the top hinge bolts, but do not tighten them “all the way” yet to allow for (adjustment) of the position.
⚠️ Attention: When installing doors, make sure that the wiring (if it goes through the hinges, as in models with a display on the door) is not twisted or pinched. In some models LG or Samsung with a screen on the door, you must also switch the wire connectors to the new side according to the diagram.
After hanging the doors, check their movement. They should open smoothly, without creaking or jamming. If everything went well, replace the top cover of the refrigerator and secure it with the screws. Now you can return the products to the shelves and turn on the unit to the network.
Adjusting the position and checking the tightness
The final stage is adjustment. Even with careful installation, it may be necessary to adjust the position of the doors to ensure a perfect fit of the seal around the entire perimeter. To do this, use adjustable supports at the bottom of the refrigerator or eccentric bolts on hinges.
Check the tightness using a simple test with a sheet of paper. Clamp the sheet with the door in different places around the perimeter. If the paper comes out with force, the seal is good. If the sheet falls out or is removed too easily, it is necessary to tighten the adjusting screws or support legs.
Also make sure that the doors close themselves when opened at an angle of about 30-45 degrees. If the door does not close all the way on its own, the refrigerator may not be level. Tilt of the body back (the top part is slightly further from the wall than the bottom) ensures correct closing under the influence of gravity.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to hang the door on a refrigerator with a display?
Yes, you can, but it requires more caution. You will need to not only rearrange the loops, but also switch the display control cables. Typically the wires are hidden inside the door and exited through the top hinge. It is necessary to carefully disconnect the connectors, move the wires to new channels (if they are provided on the other side) and reconnect them. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to contact a specialist.
What to do if the holes on the new side do not match?
In 99% of cases, the holes are symmetrical. If they do not match, check to see if you have mixed up the top and bottom of the door (if it is upside down). Also make sure you use the correct holes as there may be multiple rows of them. In rare cases, older or specific models may require additional fittings.
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging?
Full defrosting is not necessary if you work quickly. However, if there is a lot of ice in the refrigerator, it may begin to melt during operation, creating puddles on the floor. In addition, a full refrigerator is heavier, which will make it more difficult to manipulate the door. It is recommended to at least partially release the chambers.
Why does the door not close tightly after rehanging?
Most likely, the reason is incorrect adjustment of the height of the refrigerator legs or skewed hinges when tightening. Try unscrewing the front adjustment feet to raise the front of the refrigerator. Also check if anything is interfering with the seal (for example, the edge of a shelf or packaging).
Will the warranty remain valid after rehanging the door?
According to consumer protection legislation, independent replacement of the door opening side, if it is provided for by the design and does not require violating the integrity of the body (drilling new holes), should not be grounds for removal from guarantees. However, if you damage parts in the process, the warranty case for these damages will not be considered.