Many owners of household appliances are faced with a situation when the kitchen layout changes or a new location for installing the unit turns out to be inconvenient due to the direction of door opening. Indesit refrigerators, like most modern models, were initially designed with the ability to re-hing the door to the opposite side. This design feature was incorporated by engineers for maximum user convenience, allowing the equipment to be adapted to any operating conditions without calling a technician.
The rehanging process does not require specialized education, but requires basic skills in working with tools and attention to detail. Improper execution of the operation can lead to skewing of the blade, failure of the seal, or even damage to the housing. That is why it is important to strictly follow the sequence of actions described in technical documentation or proven manuals, and take into account the features of the specific model of your device.
In this article we will analyze in detail each stage of work: from preparing the workplace and tools to the final adjustment of the door position. You'll learn how to safely remove old hinges, reposition the handle, and properly install the magnetic seal so it makes a perfect seal again. By following these recommendations, you can independently change the hanger and optimize the space in your kitchen.
Preparation of tools and workspace
Before starting any work on modifying household appliances, you must carefully prepare the workplace. Refrigerator It should be completely empty of products, and it is better to remove all removable shelves and drawers in order to reduce the overall weight of the structure and avoid broken glass or plastic while tilting the unit. Clear space around the equipment so that you can freely walk around it on all sides without tripping over wires or furniture.
A critical step is to turn off the power supply. Unplug the cord from the outlet and make sure that access to the electrical network is blocked. This safety requirement is mandatory, since during the work you will touch the metal parts of the case and internal mechanisms, where theoretically a short circuit could occur if you handle the backlight wires or sensors carelessly.
To complete the task, you will need a certain set of tools, which is usually in the arsenal of a home craftsman. Lack of the necessary equipment can lead to breakage of bolt threads or damage to decorative plugs. Prepare the following:
- 🛠️ A set of screwdrivers (phillips and flathead) for removing fasteners and plastic plugs.
- 🔧 A 10 mm socket wrench or socket (most often used in models Indesit for hinges).
- 🔨 Construction level for checking the horizontal installation after completion of work.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges and dirt.
- 🧹 A piece of soft cloth or cardboard to place under the bottom of the refrigerator when tilting.
⚠️ Attention: If your refrigerator is connected to a water supply (No Frost system with water supply), be sure to turn off the water supply valve and disconnect the hose before starting work to avoid flooding.
Make sure you have enough light in the room. Working with small fasteners and hidden holes in poor lighting can result in lost screws or damaged threads. It is also recommended to remove mats from the floor to ensure a stable position for the unit and prevent slipping when moving it.
Removing the top panel and top hinge
Always start the reinstallation process from the top of the refrigerator compartment. The first step is to remove the top cover of the refrigerator, if it is structurally provided for in your model Indesit. It is usually secured with latches or screws located on the back or sides. Carefully pry up the plastic panel with a flat screwdriver, being careful not to damage the paintwork, and remove it.
Next you need to gain access to the top hinge. In some models it is hidden under a decorative plug. Locate the plastic cover on the top of the door, carefully pry it open with a knife or flathead screwdriver and remove it. Under it you will see the bolts securing the top hinge to the refrigerator body. Fastening elements can be tightened quite tightly, so use a wrench of a suitable size so as not to tear off the edges.
To avoid this, hold the door with your free hand or ask an assistant to fix it in a vertical position. Unscrew the top hinge bolts completely, but do not remove the hinge from the door yet - this can be done later, when the door is removed from the lower pin.
☑️ Check before dismantling
Once the bolts are removed, carefully lift the door up to release the bottom pin, and set it in a safe place, placing it on soft fabric. Now you can completely remove the top hinge from the refrigerator body. Keep all screws and parts in one place so as not to lose them during the process.
Removing the door and dismantling the bottom hinge
Once the top part is freed, attention turns to the bottom hinge. It holds the main weight of the door and often experiences the greatest load. In refrigerators Indesit the bottom hinge can be attached directly to the body or be part of a system connected to the base panel. If your model has a lower decorative screen (base), it must also be removed by unscrewing the mounting screws or releasing the latches.
Unscrew the bolts securing the lower hinge. Here, too, force may be required, since during operation the metal could “stick” or become covered with oxides. Use a penetrating lubricant (such as WD-40) if the bolts won't budge, but be careful not to stain the inside of the refrigerator. After unscrewing the bolts, remove the hinge along with the axis of rotation.
Now you need to make room for installing the hinge on the opposite side. There will still be threaded holes on the factory side (where the hinge was originally located). They need to be closed with special plastic plugs, which usually come with the refrigerator or are already installed in the free holes on the opposite side. If the plugs are not included in the kit, they can be carefully removed from unnecessary holes on the front side by selecting a tool of the appropriate diameter.
| Part type | Action from the working side | Action from the new side |
|---|---|---|
| Upper loop | Remove and rearrange | Install and secure |
| Bottom loop | Remove and rearrange | Install and secure |
| Decorative plugs | Install into the holes | Remove from the holes |
| Door stoppers | Move to the lower hole | Remove and rearrange |
Don't forget about a locking mechanism (latch), which prevents the door from swinging open at an angle of more than 90-110 degrees. This is usually a small metal or plastic pin located at the bottom of the housing. It must be unscrewed or knocked out on one side and inserted into the corresponding hole on the new side. In some Indesit models, the stopper has an asymmetrical shape, so it is important not to confuse the top and bottom when reinstalling it.
Rearranging the handle and fittings
The most noticeable change for the user will be the relocation of the handle. In most models Indesit the handles are symmetrical or have universal fastening, but their installation requires care. First remove the handle from the current side of the door. This may require removing trim trim or removing screws hidden under caps.
If the handle is solid and spans the entire width of the door, it usually does not need to be sawed or modified—it is simply moved to the other side. However, if the design involves separate elements for each door (in two-chamber models), make sure that you do not confuse the upper and lower handles if they are different in shape. Insert the handle into the prepared holes on the new side and secure with screws on the inside of the door.
The question often arises with holes from an old handle. There will be through or blind holes on the front panel of the door. They must be closed with the supplied plugs. This is not only a matter of aesthetics, but also safety: moisture can get into the open holes when washing the refrigerator, which will lead to corrosion of the internal metal or swelling of the coating.
When tightening the screws that secure the handle, do not use excessive force. The plastic from which the internal sleeves or the handles themselves are often made in budget models can crack. Tighten the fastener until it stops, but without fanaticism, using moderate force. If the screws are tight, you can lightly lubricate their threads with graphite or paraffin.
Installing the hinges on the new side
Now that all the preparatory work has been completed, you can begin installation. The bottom bracket is installed first. Insert the lower hinge pin into the corresponding hole on the refrigerator body from the new side. Make sure that the loop lies flat and fits tightly to the metal surface. Tighten the fastening bolts, but do not tighten them completely yet - this will allow you to adjust the position of the door when hanging.
Next you need to hang the door itself. It is more convenient to do this together: one person holds the door, the second directs the lower axis into the hole in the sleeve on the door. If you're working alone, you can use shims (such as blocks of wood or a stack of books wrapped in fabric) under the bottom of the door to raise it to the desired height. Carefully lower the door onto the lower axis.
After installing the door on the lower support, proceed to installing the upper hinge. Attach the top bracket to the body and to the end of the door, aligning the holes. Screw in the top hinge mounting bolts. At this stage, it is important to ensure that the door is level, without distortions. If you notice that the door is skewed, slightly loosen the bottom bolts, straighten the position and tighten again.
⚠️ Attention: When installing the hinges, make sure that they do not pinch the wires or tubes running inside the refrigerator body. Damage to communications can lead to equipment failure.
After both brackets are installed and the bolts are tightened, it is necessary to make a final tightening of all connections. Use a key to securely lock. Check that there are no gaps between the hinge and the body. Backlash in the connections will lead to rapid wear of the mechanism and the appearance of an unpleasant creak when opening.
Adjusting the position and checking the tightness
The final stage is adjustment. Even if installed carefully, the door may require adjustment. If the refrigerator is on an uneven floor, the door may open on its own or, conversely, not close completely. Use a building level to check that the cabinet is level. Adjust the height of the front supports (legs) of the refrigerator by rotating them clockwise or counterclockwise.
Check the operation of the magnetic seal (rubber band). The door should fit tightly around the entire perimeter of the body. If you notice a loose fit in some place, the seal may have become wrinkled during installation. Try heating the problem area with a hairdryer (at low temperature) and straightening it, then press the door tightly for a few minutes.
Also check the operation of the light switch and sensors. When the door is closed, the light should go out, and the compressor (if it started) should begin to operate normally. If the door is installed correctly, it should open smoothly, without jerking, and be fixed in intermediate positions (if such a function is provided).
Frequent errors and troubleshooting
In the process of work, beginners often make mistakes that can negate all their efforts. One of the most common is the loss or confusion of fasteners. The bolts for the top and bottom hinges may differ in length. If you screw a long bolt into a short hole, you can damage the inner wall of the refrigerator or jam the door mechanism.
Another mistake is ignoring the condition of the seal. If the door is opened frequently during operation, the rubber band could stretch or become deformed. After re-hanging on the new side, old deformation may cause a loose closure. In this case, it is better to replace the seal with a new one, rather than try to “stretch” the old one.
What to do if the door creaks after installation?
The creaking may occur due to metal-on-metal friction in the hinges. Lubricate the rubbing parts of the hinges with a small amount of silicone grease or special oil for refrigerators. Do not use edible oil - it thickens over time and turns into a sticky mass.
If after all the manipulations the door hangs crookedly and adjusting with the legs does not help, the body may have been damaged during dismantling or the hinges themselves may have a manufacturing defect (which is rare, but it does happen). In this case, you should contact a service center for diagnostics. Also, the cause of the distortion may be an unauthorized change in the design, for example, an attempt to install hinges from another model.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Is it possible to rearrange the door on an Indesit No Frost refrigerator?
Yes, on most models with the No Frost system, reversing the door is also possible. However, in such refrigerators it is often more difficult to access fasteners due to the presence of additional panels and air ducts. Be especially careful when removing the top cover so as not to damage the plastic air ducts.
Do you need to wait after installation before turning it on?
If during operation you did not tilt the refrigerator more than 45 degrees and did not shake it, then the compressor oil remained in place, and you can turn on the equipment immediately. If the unit was tilted strongly or placed on its side, it is recommended to wait 2-4 hours before starting it for the first time.
What to do if the plugs for the holes are lost?
Plugs are an important element of protection against moisture. If the factory ones are lost, you can order a set from a service center or use plastic plugs of suitable size from a hardware store. As a last resort, the holes can be carefully sealed with moisture-resistant sealant in the color of the case.
Is it possible to perform this operation alone?
Technically this is possible, especially for narrow single-chamber refrigerators. However, the doors of two-chamber models Indesit are quite heavy and wide. Working alone is inconvenient and risky - you could drop a door, damage the floor, or get injured. Having an assistant is highly recommended.