Changing the kitchen layout or simply the desire to optimize space often leads owners of household appliances to the need to change the direction of opening the door of the refrigeration unit. This procedure, known as hanging the door, allows you to make the use of the device more convenient and ergonomic. In most modern models, manufacturers provide the ability to install hinges on either side, which gives the user freedom of maneuver.
However, this process requires care, a basic set of tools and a clear understanding of the design of your device. Improper dismantling can lead to damage to the decorative trims or, worse, to deformation of the door leaf itself. That is why it is important to study the features of your model Indesit, Beko or any other brand in advance before taking active steps.
In this article we will analyze in detail all stages of work, from preparing the workplace to the final adjustment of the gaps. You'll learn how to safely remove a heavy door, where to put the door plugs, and what to do if your model has hidden hinges. Following the instructions will help you avoid common mistakes and do the job efficiently with your own hands.
Preparation of the workplace and necessary tools
Before starting any manipulations with household appliances, it is necessary to ensure safe working conditions. A refrigerator is a heavy unit and its stability is critical. Make sure the floor is level and there is enough clearance around the unit to walk around on all sides. It is advisable to free the kitchen from unnecessary items so that nothing interferes with access to the lower part of the body.
The second critical stage is turning off the power supply. Unplug the cord from the outlet to eliminate the risk of a short circuit if the wiring is accidentally damaged during operation. If the refrigerator has a No Frost system, it is recommended to wait 10-15 minutes after turning off so that the refrigerant is redistributed, although this is not always necessary for mechanical operation.
Now let's get to the tools. You do not need a complex professional set, but you should have on hand:
- 🔧 A set of screwdrivers (phillips and flathead of different sizes) for dismantling fasteners.
- 🔑 Wrenches or sockets (most often 8, 10 or 13 mm) for removing the main hinge bolts.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal edges.
- 🧱 A wooden block or a stack of books to place under the door when removing.
⚠️ Attention: Never start unscrewing the top hinges until you are sure that the door is securely fixed or someone is holding her. Falling a heavy door with shelves can cause injury or break the glass.
Also prepare a container for storing screws and screws. Small fasteners are easily lost in the carpet pile or fall behind the baseboard, so it is better to sort them immediately. If you have a magnetic tray or tray with cells, this will greatly simplify the task.
☑️ Checklist for preparing for work
Dismantling the top hinge and removing the door
The door removal process always starts with the top fastening, since It is this that holds the main weight of the canvas. Depending on the model of your refrigerator LG or Samsung, the hinge design may differ. In some cases, you first need to remove the decorative plug that hides the bolts. It can be made in the form of a plastic lid with latches or a rubber stopper.
Carefully pry off the plug with a flat screwdriver or knife, being careful not to scratch the surface. Once access is opened, you will see the mounting bolts. They must be unscrewed counterclockwise. If the bolts are covered with paint or rust, pre-treat them with a penetrating lubricant, but this is rarely necessary on newer models.
After loosening the top fasteners, the door is still held on the bottom hinge, but it is no longer locked in the top position. Here you will need an assistant. One person should hold the door firmly, and the second should completely unscrew the top hinge bolts and remove the metal strip. The door is then carefully lifted to remove it from the bottom pin and placed in a safe place.
It is important to remember magnetic seal. If handled carelessly, it may come off or become deformed, which will lead to a loose fit in the future. Try not to drop the door or place it on its edge, resting it on the rubber.
If your model has a handle built into the profile or a separate overhead handle, it may also need to be removed or rearranged. It is usually secured with screws from the inside of the door leaf. Unscrew them, remove the element and set aside until assembly on the new side.
Working with the bottom hinge and rearranging the elements
After the door is removed, attention turns to the lower part of the body. There is a support loop here, which can also be dismantled or moved. In some refrigerator models Bosch or Haier the lower hinge may be hidden by a plinth panel (a grille at the bottom of the case). It must be carefully removed by pulling it towards you or unscrewing the fasteners.
Unscrew the bolts holding the lower hinge and remove it. Now you have two sets of holes: on one side they were occupied, and on the other they were closed with plugs. Your task is to move the fasteners to the opposite side. Take the plugs from the working side (where you just removed the hinges) and install them in the vacated holes.
Then take the metal hinge that was at the bottom and screw it on top from the opposite side, using the same holes, but now for the top position. Please note that in some designs the top and bottom hinges may differ in pin shape or length. Carefully study the geometry of the parts before installation.
| Element | Action | Where we install |
|---|---|---|
| Upper hinge | Remove from the bolts | Bottom of the case (new side) |
| Bottom hinge | Remove from the pin | Top of the case (new side) |
| Plugs | Remove from holes | Holes on the old side |
| Pin (axis) | Remove from the loop | Into the new upper loop |
Don't forget about the pin (rotation axis). It can be pressed into the loop or inserted separately. If it remains in the bottom loop, carefully knock it out or pull it out with pliers and move it to the top loop of the new side. Lubricate the pin with a small amount of lithium grease for smooth operation.
The nuances of reversing doors in two-chamber models
Owners of refrigerators with two doors (the upper one is the freezer compartment, the lower one is the refrigerator compartment) will have to tinker longer. The principle of operation is similar, but there are twice as many operations. You should always start from the top door (freezer). Remove it, move the upper hinge of the main body to the other side.
Then go to the lower door. There is an important nuance here: the middle loop that separates the two compartments. It must be dismantled, moved to the other side and oriented correctly. Often the middle hinge has an asymmetrical shape, so it is impossible to mix up the sides of the installation - the door simply will not fit into place.
- 🚪 First, the top door of the freezer is removed.
- 🔩 The middle hinge is dismantled and transferred to the new side.
- ❄️ The lower door of the refrigerator compartment is removed.
- 🔄 The lower support hinge is moved to the upper position (or vice versa, depending on the design).
Pay special attention melt water drainage pipes. Two-chamber models often use a common condensate drainage system. When moving the door, make sure that the water drainage hole is aligned with the drainage channel. If the design provides for a flexible hose inside the housing, it may have to be switched to another pipe.
⚠️ Attention: In two-chamber refrigerators, the assembly order is critical. First, the bottom door is installed, then the middle hinge is fixed, and only then the top door is hung. Violation of the sequence will make installation impossible.
What to do if the holes do not match?
Sometimes when rearranging hinges in cheap models, the holes may not match perfectly due to manufacturing defects or housing misalignment. In this case, do not use force. Check that the left and right loops are not mixed up. If the geometry is broken, you can slightly widen the hole with a drill, but this must be done extremely carefully so as not to damage the enamel.
Installation of doors and final assembly of the structure
When all the hinges have been moved to new places, the assembly stage begins. Install the bottom door onto the bottom pin (or middle hinge). Make sure it sits evenly and tightly. While holding the door, screw the middle hinge with the bolts, but do not tighten them all the way yet. This will allow you to adjust the position of the door.
Next, the upper door is hung. Align the holes in the top hinge with the holes on the end of the door and insert the mounting bolts. At this stage, it is important to observe geometry: the gaps between the door and the body must be uniform along the entire length. If the door is skewed, loosen the fastenings and slightly move the leaf.
Once all the bolts have been secured, you can begin final tightening. Work your way from bottom to top, alternately tightening the bolts on each hinge. This will ensure even load distribution. Install the decorative plugs into place, snapping them until they click.
If your model Electrolux or Atlant has handles, screw them on the new side. Check if they interfere with the opening of adjacent cabinets or if they touch the walls. If necessary, adjust the position of the handles.
Adjusting gaps and checking tightness
The last and one of The most important stages are checking the quality of the work performed. The door should open easily, without jerking, and fit snugly around the entire perimeter of the body. Inspect magnetic seal (elastic band). It should fit evenly to the metal body without gaps.
To check the tightness, use a simple test with a sheet of paper. Clamp the sheet with the door in different places around the perimeter. If the paper is pulled out with force, then the fit is good. If the sheet falls out or is removed too easily, a gap will form in this place through which the cold will escape.
If you find a misalignment, it can be eliminated with adjusting bolts (if they are provided in your model) or by loosening and re-tightening the main fasteners with washers. In some modern models, the height of the legs of the refrigerator also affects the angle of inclination and self-closing of the door.
After successful re-hanging and checking, turn on the refrigerator. Let it run for 15-20 minutes, then check to see if condensation or ice has appeared in places where there were previously gaps. This will confirm that air circulation has been restored and the tightness has not been broken.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before moving the door?
Full defrosting is not necessary if you work quickly. However, if there is a lot of ice in the freezer, it is better to defrost the unit a day before work. This will lighten the weight of the door and prevent water from getting on the electrical contacts when tilted or removed.
Is it possible to rearrange the door on a refrigerator with a display?
Yes, you can, but it is more difficult. You will need to disconnect the cable harness that goes to the display and buttons. Before removing the door, be sure to unplug the connectors (usually located on the top of the frame or inside the hinge). Be careful, the wires are short and fragile.
Why doesn’t the door close completely after rearranging?
Most likely, the adjustment of the tilt of the body is broken. The refrigerator should be positioned with a slight slope back so that the door closes itself under the influence of gravity. Try unscrewing the front adjustable legs by lifting the front part of the unit.
What to do if the plugs for the holes are lost?
Plugs can be ordered at the manufacturer’s service center or selected universal analogues in furniture fittings stores. As a last resort, the holes can be sealed with a decorative sticker in the color of the body to prevent moisture and dust from entering.
Does re-hanging the door affect the warranty?
According to the consumer protection law, re-hanging the door yourself is not a complex repair and should not void the warranty unless you damage the components. However, if you break the hinge or body in the process, the warranty case for this damage will not be considered.