The situation when, after purchasing new equipment, it turns out that the refrigerator door opens in the wrong direction is familiar to many. This creates inconvenience during operation, interferes with passage, or simply does not fit into the ergonomics of the kitchen. Fortunately, the design of most modern models allows you to change the opening side, and for this it is not necessary to call a specialist.
The process of rehanging is a technically simple operation that requires only a basic set of tools and care. Main difficulty is not to lose small parts and correctly adjust the position of the blade. In this article we will analyze all the nuances, from preparing the tool to the final adjustment of the gaps.
Before getting started, it is important to understand that not all refrigerators are universal in this matter. Some budget models have a fixed hinge design, while others may not have a left-hand option. Therefore first step is always to study the instructions for your specific model.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. This is necessary not only for safety, but also to ensure that the compressor cools down and the refrigerant is redistributed, which will make it easier to move the unit.
If you are convinced that overweight is possible, feel free to take the tools. The whole process will take from 20 minutes to an hour, depending on the experience and design of the equipment.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
Quality preparation is the key to success. You don't need a complex professional tool; a standard home kit is enough. The main thing is that all the keys and screwdrivers are at hand so as not to interrupt the process of searching for the required part.
Usually, the hexagons that come with the equipment or wrenches are enough for the job. If you have a model with plastic plugs, you may need a thin flathead screwdriver or knife to carefully pry them off.
- 🔧 A set of wrenches or open-end wrenches (sizes depend on the model, often 8, 10, 13 mm).
- 🔩 Hex keys (included in the delivery or a universal set).
- 🪛 Screwdrivers: Phillips and flat-head (for removing handles and decorative panels).
- 🧤 Gloves (will protect your hands from sharp metal edges and dirt).
Free up space in front of the refrigerator. You will need to move it away from the wall and possibly tilt it. Remove carpets and obstacles to prevent the unit from scratching the floor or falling.
⚠️ Attention: The design of hinges may differ dramatically between different brands (Indesit, Bosch, Samsung, LG). If the kit does not include keys for rearranging, check in the instructions what dimensions are required so as not to tear off the edges of the bolts.
Design features and checking the possibility of overweight
Do not rush to immediately tighten the bolts. First, carefully inspect the end of the door and the body. On the opposite side, where you plan to hang the door, there should be reciprocal holes or plugs. If there is smooth metal without signs of threads or holes, then, alas, overweight is impossible.
It is also worth checking the handle. In some models it is symmetrical and suitable for any side, in others it has a specific shape that requires replacement or disassembly. For models with a display on the door, the situation is more complicated: you may have to reconnect the wire loops.
It is important to consider the weight of the door. In two-chamber refrigerators, the upper and lower doors can be removed separately, which makes the task easier. In single-chamber models or systems No Frost with a common door, the weight can be significant, so it is better to work with an assistant.
| Type of refrigerator | Difficulty of overweight | Do you need an assistant | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-chamber | Average | Desirable | Heavy door, risk of skewing |
| Two-chamber (ATLANT, Indesit) | Low | Not necessary | Doors are removed separately |
| With a display on the door | High | Required | Requires electrical work |
| Side-by-Side | Very high | Required (2 people) | Complex hinge system and weight |
If you find that there are holes, but they are closed with plastic plugs, carefully remove them. Save the plugs on the working side - they will be needed to close the vacated holes.
Dismantling the top door and removing the fittings
We always start disassembling from the top. You will first need to remove the top door to gain access to the bottom hinges. Open the door completely. Find the top loop. It may be covered with a decorative trim.
Carefully remove the trim by prying it off with a flat screwdriver. Before unscrewing the hinge bolts, make sure that the door is not secured by anything. In some models you need to remove the handle, in others you just need to hold the blade.
Unscrew the top hinge mounting bolts. Now you will need an assistant: one person should hold the heavy door, and the second should unscrew the fasteners. Remove the loop and set it aside. Now the upper door can be carefully lifted and removed from the lower hinge.
- 📦 Place all removed bolts and washers in a separate container so that they do not get lost.
- 🧼 Wipe the ends of the doors and fastening points from dust and old grease.
- 🔍 Inspect rubber seal for damage during removal.
After removing the upper door, we move on to the lower one. The principle is the same: remove the decorative elements, unscrew the middle hinge (if there is one) or the bottom one, and remove the door. Now you have free canvases and a freed body in your hands.
⚠️ Attention: Do not leave the refrigerator with open chambers for a long time without doors. This can lead to deformation of the seal or dust getting inside the thermal insulation.
☑️ Ready for dismantling
Rehanging the hinges and installing them on the new side
The most important step is installing the hinges on the new side. Take the removed hinges and move them to the opposite end of the body. To do this, use prepared holes. Secure them with bolts, but do not tighten them all the way yet, so that adjustment is possible.
If your model has special pins or bushings for the hinge axes, move them to the new side. The refrigerator often comes with special extended bolts or adapters for the reverse side - be sure to use them.
Now we install the doors in the reverse order: first the lower, then the upper. Insert the bottom hinge into the door hole, lift the door leaf and tighten the bolts. Then install the upper door and secure the upper hinge.
Sequence of actions:1. Remove the doors.
2. Move the hinges to the opposite side of the body.
3. Install the lower door.
4. Install the upper door.
5. Secure all fasteners.
Tighten all bolts as tightly as possible. Make sure that the hinge axes fit correctly into the seats. If you are working with a model where the handle is asymmetrical, you may have to disassemble it and reinstall the elements or replace them with components for the left side.
What to do if the holes do not match?
If the holes on the body and door do not match after rearrangement, check to see if you have mixed up the upper and lower doors (they may be different in size). Also make sure you are using the correct bushings included in the overhang kit.
Adjusting the position of doors and gaps
After installation, the door may hang crookedly or not fit tightly to the body. This is normal and required adjustments. Most modern hinges have adjusting bolts that allow you to change the position of the door in height and depth.
Check the tightness of the seal around the entire perimeter. The door should close easily, with a characteristic bang, but not too tightly. If the door is skewed, loosen the middle or bottom hinge and slightly move the leaf, then tighten it again.
Pay attention to the gap between the doors (in two-chamber models). It should be uniform from top to bottom. If the bottom of the door protrudes more than the top, the refrigerator may not be level.
- 📏 Use a building level to check the vertical position.
- 🦶 Adjust the height of the legs of the refrigerator to level the body.
- 🚪 Check the operation of the magnetic lock - it should hold the door closed.
If the door opens on its own or, conversely, does not reach the body, try tilting the entire refrigerator back a little. To do this, unscrew the front adjustment supports.
Common mistakes and troubleshooting
When rearranging them on their own, beginners often make common mistakes. One of them is the loss of fasteners. Small bolts easily roll under the refrigerator or get lost in the carpet. Always use a magnetic tray or jar.
Another mistake is overtightening the bolts. Excessive force may strip the threads in the aluminum housing or burst the plastic bushing. Tighten the fasteners tightly, but not fanatically, using a reasonable size wrench.
They also often forget to rearrange the plugs. As a result, gaping holes remain in plain sight, and empty nests on the other side. Do not forget to close all technical holes with decorative elements.
If after installation the door begins to creak, lubricate the hinges. To do this, use special lubricant for refrigerators or graphite lubricant. It is not recommended to use oil, as it can thicken or stain the food.
What to do if the refrigerator door does not close tightly after overweight?
Check whether anything is interfering with the seal (food on the shelves, crumbs). Make sure the refrigerator is level. If the problem is in the seal, try heating it with a hair dryer (carefully!) and straighten it, or replace it with a new one.
Is it possible to rehang the door if there is a display on it?
Yes, but it is more difficult. You will need to disconnect the cable harness going to the display before removing the door. When installing on a new side, the cable will need to be re-routed, making sure that it is not pinched and is of sufficient length. It is better to have an electrical diagram for your model.
Is it necessary to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging it?
It is advisable. At least partial defrosting will make it easier to move (less weight) and allow you to wipe down the interior surfaces while the doors are removed. In addition, ice in the evaporator may crumble when the unit is tilted.
How long should you wait before turning it on after overweight?
If you just changed the hinges and did not tilt the refrigerator much (more than 40 degrees), you do not have to wait. If the unit had to be placed on its side, let it stand upright for 2-4 hours before turning it on, so that the oil in the compressor drains back.
Where can I get new plugs if the old ones are lost?
Plugs can be ordered at the manufacturer's service center, bought at a spare parts store for household appliances, or picked up universal plastic plugs of suitable diameter at a construction store store. You can also use decorative stickers.