The situation when the standard location of the refrigerator door Stinol no longer suits the owner occurs quite often. This may be due to the redevelopment of the kitchen, the particular arrangement of furniture, or simply the desire to improve the ergonomics of the workspace. Fortunately, the design of most models of this brand provides for the possibility of reversing the sashes on the opposite side.
This process does not require calling a specialist or special technical knowledge, however, it is highly labor-intensive and requires attention to detail. Improper dismantling can lead to damage to decorative elements or a breach of the seal. In this article we will analyze all stages of the work so that you can complete the task efficiently and safely.
Before starting any manipulations, it is necessary to prepare the workplace. You will need some free space in front and on the side of the refrigerator where you can temporarily store removed parts. It is also important to make sure that you have the necessary set of tools on hand, since trying to do the job “by eye” or with unsuitable tools often ends in stripped threads or broken plastic plugs.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
To successfully complete the task of changing the opening side, you will need a basic set of home craftsman. The main tool will be a set of wrenches or heads, since the mounting bolts of the hinges can have different sizes depending on the model and year of manufacture. The most commonly used wrenches are 8, 10 and 12 mm.
You will also need a flat-head screwdriver or spatula to carefully remove decorative plugs and panels. It would be a good idea to prepare a plastic spatula so as not to scratch the case when dismantling the controls. If your model has hidden hinges, you may need hex wrench an appropriate size.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting work, be sure to unplug the refrigerator and remove all food. This will not only keep you safe, but will also prevent food spoilage during a long procedure.
Be sure to prepare a container for storing small parts such as bolts, washers and bushings. The loss of even one fastening element can make it impossible to securely install the door. It is recommended to use a magnetic tray or small jars with signatures so as not to confuse the fasteners of the upper and lower hinges.
Design features of Stinol refrigerators
Refrigerators Stinol were produced in various modifications, and the design of their door systems may differ. In some models, the hinges are hidden under decorative overlays, in others they are open and immediately visible. Understanding your design type is the first step to success.
It is important to consider that in two-chamber models, it is often necessary to rearrange not only the outer door of the refrigerator compartment, but also the inner lid of the freezer compartment, if provided for by the design. The mechanism automatic closer or door position lock may also require additional adjustment after rehanging.
Differences between models with No Frost and drip system
Models with the No Frost system often require dismantling the plastic panel at the end of the door to access fasteners, whereas in drip systems the hinges are attached directly to the metal of the body.
Some modern modifications may have electronic controls on the door. In such cases, before removing the sash, you must carefully disconnect wire loop, having previously remembered or photographed the order in which the connectors are connected. Ignoring this step will lead to the impossibility of using the display or indicators after assembly.
Step-by-step instructions: dismantling the refrigerator door
You should always start work from the top hinge, since it bears the main load of keeping the weight of the door suspended. First, remove the decorative hinge cover by prying it off with a flathead screwdriver. If there is a control panel underneath, carefully disconnect the connectors.
Use a wrench to loosen the top hinge bolts. Do not unscrew them completely at once - just loosen the tension so that you can remove the loop. After this, carefully lift the door and remove the upper hinge from the axis.
☑️ Dismantling procedure
Now that the door is removed, you can move on to the lower support. Remove the door from the bottom stud and set it aside in a safe place, preferably on a soft surface to avoid damaging the seal or shelves. Unscrew the bottom support pin and move it to the opposite side of the case, into a pre-prepared threaded hole.
Reversing the freezer door
If your refrigerator Stinol has a bottom freezer position, the process may be a little more complicated due to the presence of a handle or freezing system. First, you need to remove the handle if it interferes with access to the fasteners or if the design allows for its transfer.
Next, remove the decorative panel hiding the top hinge of the freezer. Unscrew the mounting bolts and remove the door. Please note thrust bushings —they often fall out when removed, so proceed with caution. Move the loop to the new side using the holes that were previously closed with plugs.
| Element | Action | Tool |
|---|---|---|
| Upper hinge | Dismantling and rearrangement | Wrench 10 mm |
| Bottom pin | Unscrewing and transferring | Wrench 8 mm |
| Plugs | Change of position | Screwdriver |
| Door handle | Removal/Installation | Hexagon |
When When installing the door in a new location, make sure that the hinge axis fits correctly into the hole. If the door “walks” or does not fit tightly, you may need to adjust the height of the lower support pin by tightening or unscrewing it.
Nuances of working with electronics and handles
Models with a display on the door require a special approach. After removing the decorative panel, you will see the wiring harness. Don't pull them too hard - they may be short. Carefully disconnect the connector, often you need to press the latch.
⚠️ Attention: When rearranging the door with electronics, make sure that the length of the cable allows you to connect it from the new side. In some cases, it is necessary to extend the wire or re-solder the contacts, which is best left to a specialist.
Door handles may also be symmetrical or require turning. If the handle is solid and does not have mounting holes on both sides, you may have to use a universal handle or leave it as is if the design allows it. Models Stinol often use hidden pocket handles that do not require rearrangement.
If the door has a magnetic lock or latch, do not forget to rearrange the counterpart of the mechanism to the new end of the body. To do this, it is usually enough to remove the plastic trim from the end of the door and move the magnet into the prepared socket on the other side.
Adjusting the position and checking the tightness
After all the doors are installed in new places, it is necessary to check their operation. The door should open freely, without jamming, and close tightly under the influence of the magnetic seal. If you notice a distortion, use the adjusting bolts on the hinges (if they are provided for in the design) or tighten the lower support pin.
Check the tightness of the seal around the entire perimeter. To do this, you can use a simple test with a sheet of paper: hold the sheet with a door and try to pull it out. It should come out with noticeable effort. If the paper falls out freely, it means that the seal has been broken in this place .
Plug in the refrigerator and leave it to work without food for 2-3 hours. This will allow the compressor to return to operating mode, and you will be able to make sure that when vibration occurs, the doors do not open on their own and do not make any extraneous sounds.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
One of the most common mistakes is the loss of fasteners. Bolts from different hinges may differ in thread length and diameter. Trying to screw a short bolt into a long hole or vice versa can lead to damage to the housing or the hinge itself.
They also often forget to move the plastic plugs into the vacated holes. This not only spoils the appearance, but also allows dust and moisture to penetrate into the structure, which can cause corrosion of the metal over time. Always check that all holes are closed.
⚠️ Caution: Do not use force when tightening bolts. Aluminum alloys, from which hinges are often made, are easy to deform. If the bolt does not tighten, check that the threads match and that there is no misalignment.
Another mistake is ignoring the floor level. If the refrigerator is not level, even a properly hung door may not close on its own. Make sure that the front legs of the refrigerator are twisted a little more than the back ones, creating a slight tilt back.
Is it necessary to invite a specialist to rehang Stinol doors?
In most cases, calling a specialist is not required. The process is mechanical and does not require special skills. However, if your model has a complex electronics system on the door or you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to turn to professionals so as not to damage expensive components.
What to do if, after rearranging, the door does not close tightly?
Most likely, the installation geometry is broken. Check if the refrigerator is level (use a building level). Try turning the front leveling feet a little to create a rearward tilt. Also check that the seal in the corners does not lift up.
Is it possible to rehang the door if the refrigerator is built into the kitchen unit?
This is extremely difficult and often impossible without removing the refrigerator itself from the niche. You will need enough clearance on the side to remove and rotate the door. If there is no gap, you will have to move or disassemble part of the furniture.
Where can I get new plugs if the old ones are lost?
Plugs can be ordered at service centers Stinol or find universal analogues in furniture fittings stores. You can also use decorative stickers or plugs for screws that match the color and size.