Changing the kitchen layout or simply The desire to make the interior more convenient often makes owners of household appliances think about rearranging. In such situations, the standard opening of the refrigerator door can become an obstacle that prevents free movement. Fortunately, the design of most modern models, including brand equipment Indesitprovides the possibility of changing the opening side.
The process of re-hanging the door does not require calling a technician or special technical knowledge. It is enough to have basic skills in working with tools and strictly follow the algorithm of actions. Errors at the preparatory stage can lead to damage to the plastic elements or loss of tightness, so it is worth carefully studying the theoretical part before starting work.
In this article we will analyze in detail how to properly prepare the unit, what tools will be needed and in what order to dismantle the hinges. You will learn about the nuances of installing handles and latches, which are often overlooked during DIY repairs.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
Before you begin mechanical operations, you need to make sure that you have the entire required set of tools on hand. The absence of even one screwdriver of the required size can significantly delay the process or lead to the breakage of the slots on the screws. To work with refrigerators Indesit usually you need a standard DIY kit, which most men have.
You will need a Phillips screwdriver, the size of which corresponds to the hinge mounting screws. Slotted screws are often used PH2, but in some models there may be other options. Also, a flat-head screwdriver will not be superfluous to carefully pry up the decorative plugs if they are tightly seated in their sockets.
To make the work easier, it is recommended to involve an assistant, since the refrigerator door is a heavy element that, if handled carelessly, can fall and damage the floor or the appliance itself. If there is no assistant, prepare in advance a stable stool or a small stand on which you can temporarily rest the door while dismantling the fasteners.
- 🔧 Phillips and flathead screwdrivers (the dimensions correspond to the hinge screws).
- 🔨 A small hammer (for carefully knocking out the plugs, if will be required).
- 📏 Construction level (to check the horizontal installation after work).
- 🧤 Work gloves (to protect hands from sharp metal edges).
Particular attention should be paid to preparing the refrigerator itself. Before starting work, be sure to disconnect the unit from the power supply. This is not only a safety requirement, but also a way to prevent accidental activation of the compressor during manipulation.
Free the door shelves from products and removable elements to reduce the weight of the structure. Heavy bottles and cans can fall out when the cabinet is tilted or the door is moved, creating a risk of damaging the flooring. Also remove all the drawers from the bottom of the refrigerator compartment to ensure free access to the installation area.
Removing the top door of the refrigerator compartment
The process of removing the door begins with the top fastening, since it is this that holds the main weight of the door. On models Indesit the upper loop is often closed with a decorative plastic plug. It must be carefully removed by prying it with a flat screwdriver or simply pulling it up, if the design allows it.
After removing the plug, you will see the mounting screws. Their number can vary from two to four depending on the specific series of the refrigerator. Before completely unscrewing the bolts, make sure that the door is securely fixed or supported by an assistant so that it does not fall on your feet.
After unscrewing the screws, remove the top hinge. The door can now be carefully separated from the body. This must be done smoothly, without jerking, while controlling the weight of the sash. If the door is equipped with a magnetic lock or an opening sensor, be careful: the wiring usually runs inside the housing, but in some modifications it may be necessary to disconnect the connectors.
☑️ Check before removing the door
After dismantling the door, inspect the end part of the body. There you will find holes closed with plastic plugs. These plugs need to be removed and moved to the opposite side where the loop was previously located. This will provide an aesthetic appearance and protection of the internal cavities from dust.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use excessive force when removing the plugs. The plastic on older models can be brittle and break easily. If the plug does not budge, try warming it slightly with a hairdryer or carefully prying it with a knife.
It is important to check the condition of the rubber seal on the door. While the sash is removed, this is the ideal time to clean and check the seal. If necessary, the rubber can be wiped with warm water and a mild detergent.
Removing and rearranging the lower freezer door
If your refrigerator is a two-chamber one with a separate freezer door, the procedure must be repeated for the lower part. The principle of operation is similar, but there are some nuances associated with the design of the intermediate jumper.
First remove the decorative panel or plug from the bottom hinge. Unscrew the mounting screws and release the freezer door. Unlike the upper door, the lower one often has a simpler fastening system, but requires care when installing it in a new location.
The key point is to relocate the opening limiter. There is a special stop at the end of the door or on the body of the refrigerator that prevents the door from swinging open too wide. It must be moved to the opposite side, using the same holes that were previously closed with plugs.
- 🔩 Remove the bottom hinge and dismantle the freezer door.
- 🔄 Move the opening limiter to the other side.
- 🚪 Install the plugs in the vacated holes on the opposite side sides.
- 🧹 Clean the seal area from dirt before installation.
In some models Indesit with a system No Frost a power cable or sensors may pass through the bottom. If you find wires going through the hinge, they must be carefully disconnected, remembering the connection order, or threaded through new holes in the case.
After removing all the doors and rearranging the stops, Make sure all holes on the old opening side are plugged. This will prevent moisture and insects from getting inside the thermal insulation layer of the case.
Rearranging the handles and fittings
One of the most important steps is moving the handles. Depending on the refrigerator model Indesit, the handles can be attached to screws on the top, bottom or side. To dismantle them, access to fasteners is often required, which can be hidden under decorative overlays.
If the handle is secured with screws, they need to be unscrewed and the element removed. The handle is then installed on the opposite side. Please note that mounting holes may already be provided by the manufacturer and covered with plastic plugs that need to be removed.
For models with hidden or integrated handles, the procedure may vary. It is important here not to lose small parts of the latch mechanism. The lock mechanism also often requires rearranging or turning over for the latch to work correctly on the new opening side.
What to do if the holes for the handles do not match?
In some budget models, the holes for the handles may only be on one side. In this case, it is impossible to reposition the handle without drilling new holes, which is not recommended, as it will compromise the integrity of the thermal insulation and appearance.
When installing the handles in a new place, make sure that they fit tightly and do not wobble. Weak fasteners will cause the handle to quickly loosen completely or interfere with the door's tight fit.
The latch tongue deserves special attention. It must be turned over or rearranged into the corresponding slot at the end of the door so that when closing it fits into the counterpart on the body of the refrigerator. Incorrect installation will result in the door not being locked in the closed position.
Installing doors on a new side
Installation of doors is carried out in the reverse order of dismantling. The bottom door (freezer compartment) is installed first, then the top door (refrigerator compartment). This allows you to correctly set the gaps and ensure symmetry.
Install the bottom hinge on the new side by inserting it into the prepared holes. Insert the bottom door by sliding it onto the hinge pin. Align the position of the door and tighten the mounting screws, but do not tighten them all the way yet to be able to adjust.
Then install the intermediate strip (if your model has one) and the top hinge. Put the top door on. After both doors are installed in their places, you can begin the final fixation of the fasteners.
| Work stage | Action | Check point |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Preparation | Installing the plugs in the old place | All holes are closed |
| 2. Bottom door | Installation on the bottom hinge | The door is not warped |
| 3. Top door | Installation on the top hinge | Even gaps |
| 4. Fixation | Tightening all screws | The fastener is securely fixed |
After installation, check the operation of the magnetic lock and the tightness of the seal around the entire perimeter. The door should close tightly, with a characteristic pop, but without excessive force.
Adjusting the position of doors and gaps
The final stage is adjustment. Even with careful installation, the doors may not be perfectly level. To adjust the position, an adjusting screw is used, usually located on the lower support of the refrigerator or in the design of the hinge itself.
By rotating the adjusting support, you can raise or lower the corner of the door. This allows you to achieve a horizontal position of the upper edge of the door relative to the floor. Use a building level to check.
If the door is skewed vertically (one corner sticks out more than the other), you may need to loosen the hinge screws, level the door and tighten them again. It is better to do this with an assistant who will hold the sash.
⚠️ Attention: Technical characteristics and design of the hinges may vary depending on the year of manufacture of the model. Before starting work, check the official instructions for your specific modification Indesitas the location of fasteners may vary.
Check that the door does not touch the body or adjacent furniture when opening. Make sure that the drawers and shelves inside are not blocked by the new trajectory of the door movement.
After completing all the work, turn on the refrigerator and let it work for several hours. Check whether the door closes tightly after cooling (when cooling, a vacuum is created inside, and the door should stick).
Frequently asked questions
Is it possible to reverse the door on an Indesit refrigerator with the No Frost system?
Yes, on most models with the No Frost system, reversing is possible. However, in such refrigerators, power wires for fans or sensors often pass through the loop. When working, you need to be especially careful not to damage the wiring and connect the connectors correctly.
What to do if, after hanging, the door does not close tightly?
Most likely, the installation geometry is broken or the latch mechanism is mixed up. Check that the lock tongue is installed correctly and that the hinges are level. You may need to readjust the height of the refrigerator's support legs.
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging it?
Full defrosting is not necessary if you work quickly. However, it is recommended to remove all products and shelves to make the structure lighter. If you are planning long-term work or cleaning the seal, it is better to turn off the device in advance.
Will the warranty remain valid after re-hanging the door yourself?
According to the law, the consumer has the right to independent repair and maintenance if this does not lead to a breakdown. However, if you break the threads or damage the plastic in the process, warranty repairs for these components may be denied. Proceed carefully.