Redesigning the kitchen or simply inconvenient location of household appliances often raises the question of changing the opening side of the refrigerator. For equipment owners Stinol this procedure is a completely doable task that does not require calling a specialist if you act carefully and consistently. The design of most models of this brand allows you to move the door leaf from one side to the other, which greatly simplifies the ergonomics of the kitchen space.
However, despite the apparent simplicity, the process requires attention to detail, especially when working with gas shock absorbers or complex freezing systems. No Frost. An incorrect sequence of actions can lead to damage to plastic elements or loss of sealing. In this material, we will analyze all stages of work, highlight key points for different series and answer frequently asked questions.
Before starting work, it is necessary to prepare the workplace and free up space around the unit. Make sure that you have access to the back wall of the device from all sides, since manipulations will be carried out there as well. Safety and the preservation of the appearance of the equipment depends on proper preparation.
Preparation of the workplace and the necessary tools
The first step should always be complete defrosting and disconnecting the device from the power supply. Even if the model is equipped with a system No Frost, removing all products and shelves will facilitate access to the mechanisms and reduce the weight of the door leaves, which is critical when dismantling them. Leave the refrigerator open for several hours so that the condensation evaporates and the internal mechanisms come into temperature balance with the room.
To perform the work, you will need a minimum set of tools, which are usually found in every home. The main tool will be hex key (usually 4 mm or 5 mm), since it is on these bolts that the hinges are attached in the technique Stinol. Also, a flat screwdriver will not be superfluous for carefully removing decorative plugs and plastic covers.
- 🔧 A set of hex keys or a screwdriver with interchangeable bits.
- 🪛 Flat and Phillips screwdrivers for working with decorative elements.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges.
- 📏 A level (preferably) for checking the horizon after installation.
It is recommended to prepare a soft surface in advance, for example, a blanket or thick cardboard, where you can put the removed doors. This will prevent scratches on the enamel and chips on the ends. Fixation The position of the refrigerator is also required: make sure that it does not ride on a smooth floor during operation.
Design features of hinges of different Stinol models
Technology Stinol was produced in various modifications, and the design of the hinges can differ significantly depending on the year of manufacture and series. Older models often featured simple steel hinges that were bolted directly to the body. More modern versions use hidden mechanisms and plastic bushings that require more delicate handling.
Particular attention should be paid to models with the system No Frost. In such refrigerators, the power wires for the fan and defrost heater often pass through the top loop. Before removing the door, you must carefully disconnect connectorswithout pulling the wires. In some cases, the wires may be laid inside the door channel, and they will need to be pulled out as they are dismantled.
Wiring nuances in No Frost
In models with No Frost, the wires usually pass through the top hinge. When rehanging, they need to be carefully pulled out of the channel of the old door and threaded into the channel of the new side. Do not use excessive force to avoid damaging the insulation or contacts.
If your refrigerator is a two-chamber one, then the upper and lower chambers may have different types of fasteners. The lower door is often attached to a hinge that is part of the body or screwed from the bottom, while the upper one requires the removal of a decorative cover. Understanding the type of your model will help you avoid mistakes when searching for fasteners.
It is important to note that in some budget models the hinges may be asymmetrical. This means that re-hanging may require reinstalling the loop itself to the other side or using special adapters included in the kit. If there is nothing in the kit, you may need to purchase a universal set of hinges.
Dismantling the door leaf: step-by-step algorithm
The door removal process should always begin from the top of the structure. First, remove the decorative cap from the top hinge, if present. Underneath you will find mounting bolts. Gently unscrew them, but do not remove them completely yet, so that the loop does not fall suddenly. After loosening the bolts, remove the top hinge.
The next step is to remove the door itself. Since the weight of the canvas can be significant, especially in two-chamber models, this operation must be performed by two people. One person holds the door, and the second finally unscrews the bolts and removes the hinge. The door must be removed from the bottom pin and set aside in a safe place.
- 🚪 Remove all shelves and containers from the door to lighten the weight.
- 🔩 Loosen, but do not completely remove, the top hinge bolts.
- 👐 Hold the door with your other hand or call assistant.
- 📉 Carefully lift the door, removing it from the lower guide pin.
For the lower door, the algorithm is similar, but here it is important not to lose the lower support sleeve. Often it is simply put on the body pin and can fall off when the door is removed. Save all the small parts, as they will be needed when assembling on the new side. Marking sides of the hinges will help you avoid mixing them up when reinstalling them.
☑️ Checklist before removing the door
Re-hanging handles and fittings
One of the most noticeable operations is the rearrangement of handles. In most models Stinol handles are attached to screws on the inside of the door. You will need to open the door (while it is still in place or already removed), find the holes and unscrew the fasteners. Then the handle is transferred to the opposite side.
Visible marks will remain on the vacated holes. To close them, the refrigerator often comes with plastic plugs of the same color as the body. If the plugs are lost or not provided, you can use special stickers or simply leave holes if they are not located in a visible place.
⚠️ Attention: When tightening the handle screws in a new place, do not overtighten them. The door plastic may crack if excessive force is applied. Screw it all the way by hand, then tighten it slightly with a screwdriver.
It is also worth checking the condition of the sealing rubber. During prolonged use, it could become deformed under the weight of the door. If you notice strong creases, it makes sense to warm up the rubber with a hairdryer or replace it with a new one while the door is removed. This will ensure better tightness after installation.
Do not forget about the opening limiters. These are plastic or rubber stops that prevent the door from hitting the body when opened 90 degrees. They also need to be moved to the opposite side by unscrewing the old one and screwing the new one into the prepared hole.
Installation on the new side and adjustment
Installation of the door on the new side is done in the reverse order. First, the lower support sleeve is mounted and the lower hinge is screwed on (if the design allows for its rearrangement). The door is then placed over the pin, leveled, and the top hinge is installed. The upper fastening bolts do not need to be fully tightened yet.
The key point is adjusting the door position. It should fit snugly around the entire perimeter of the body. If the door is askew, air will leak in, causing the compressor to work harder. Use a level or just a visual guide to level the door. After alignment, finally tighten all the bolts.
| Element | Action | Tool |
|---|---|---|
| Upper hinge | Dismantling and transfer | Hexagon 4-5 mm |
| Lower support | Checking the bushing | Flat screwdriver |
| Handle | Repositioning | Phillips screwdriver |
| Door stop | Replacing side | Hex |
If your model has electrical components in the door (display, button Super Freeze), their connection is carried out before the final tightening of the upper loop. Carefully lay the wires in the channel so that they are not pinched by the metal of the loop when closing. Insulation The contacts should be reliable.
Checking operation and common errors
After installation is completed, it is necessary to check the quality of work. The door should open smoothly, without jerking, and close tightly on its own at a small opening angle (usually up to 15-20 degrees). If the door deviates or does not fit completely, the height of the refrigerator legs or the position of the hinges will need to be re-adjusted.
A common mistake is to ignore the tilt of the cabinet. For the door to close properly, the refrigerator must be tilted slightly backwards. This is achieved by unscrewing the front adjustment supports. If the refrigerator stands strictly vertically or is tilted forward, the door will open on its own or will not close tightly.
⚠️ Attention: Do not plug in the refrigerator immediately if you have worked on the wires or defrost system. Let the device stand for 2-3 hours for the refrigerant and oils to settle, especially if the refrigerator was tilted at an angle of more than 40 degrees.
Also check the gaps between the door and the body. They should be uniform along the entire length. If there is a larger gap at the top than at the bottom, it means that the top hinge is not installed horizontally. Loosen the fastenings and adjust the position.
Answers to frequently asked questions
Do I need to call a specialist to rehang the doors Stinol?
In most cases, calling a specialist is not required. The design of refrigerators Stinol allows you to perform this operation yourself, having a basic set of tools. However, if you are not confident in your abilities or the model has a complex electronics system in the door, it is better to turn to professionals.
What to do if the holes on the new side do not match?
In original cases Stinol holes for hinges and handles are usually provided on both sides. If there are no holes, your model may not be designed to be hung, or additional adapters may be required. It is not recommended to drill new holes in the factory.
Is it possible to hang the door on a refrigerator with a display?
Yes, you can, but it requires more caution. It is necessary to carefully consider the length of cables and wires. Sometimes the standard length of the cable is not enough for re-hanging, and it needs to be extended or re-soldered, which is best left to a specialist.
Why does the door not fit tightly after re-hanging?
There may be several reasons: misalignment when installing the hinges, contamination of the seal, incorrect tilt level of the refrigerator or deformation of the rubber itself. Check the adjusting feet and the tightness of the seal around the entire perimeter.
Do you need to wait after turning on the refrigerator?
Yes, after transportation or strong tilting during work, it is recommended to let the refrigerator stand turned off for 2 to 4 hours. This is necessary to spread the oil in the compressor and stabilize the pressure in the system.