TOOLMAN TIPS – Appliance Door Reversal
Tight fit? What to do if the door of your appliance is on the wrong side
It can happen to anyone…
You’re happy to get that new appliance, and then once it’s placed in it’s space, you notice just one little problem. The door opens the wrong way! What to do now?
Many household appliances are designed with reversible doors, allowing the hinge to be installed on either side. This feature, found on refrigerators, dryers, and some front-load washing machines, offers flexibility that can make a big difference in a home’s functionality.
Despite how useful this option is, many people never take advantage of it—either because they don’t realize their appliance has this capability or they assume it requires professional service. In reality, reversing a door is a simple task for anyone with basic toolmanship skills and mechanical intuition.
Graduates of our Toolmanship Mentoring program at Bendix Academy develop exactly the kind of confidence and self-reliance needed for such tasks. With a few common tools and a logical approach, they can adapt appliances to fit their needs instead of working around design limitations.
Understanding the built-in flexibility of modern machines is a hallmark of mechanical self-reliance. When a door opens the wrong way, a toolman sees not an inconvenience but an opportunity—a small but useful modification that puts their skills to work.
So, the next time you or someone you know struggles with a poorly placed appliance door, remember: For those who’ve embraced toolmanship, it’s just another simple fix!
Reversing the way a refrigerator door opens is usually straightforward and requires only a few basic tools. Here’s a step-by-step guide for the toolman near you.
Remember, most refrigerators are designed with reversible doors, but it’s always a good idea to check the user manual for any model-specific steps.
Ready to begin? Collect your tools, check the manual, and put your toolmanship skills to use by clicking on the instructions below!
First, collect the tools you'll need
- Phillips screwdriver
- Adjustable wrench or socket wrench
- Flathead screwdriver (for prying)
- Putty knife (if needed for trim pieces)
- Tape (to hold the door in place while working)
Then check the user manual for any model-specific steps
Most appliance brands provide online access to user manuals. Go to the official website of your refrigerator’s manufacturer and search for your model number. Some common ones include:
- Whirlpool – https://www.whirlpool.com
- GE Appliances – https://www.geappliances.com
- Frigidaire – https://www.frigidaire.com
- Samsung – https://www.samsung.com
- LG – https://www.lg.com
- Maytag – https://www.maytag.com
If the manufacturer’s site doesn’t have it, try these databases:
- ManualsLib – https://www.manualslib.com
- Sears PartsDirect – https://www.searspartsdirect.com
- Appliance Manuals – https://www.appliancemanuals.com
If you purchased your refrigerator from a major retailer, they may have manuals available:
- Home Depot – https://www.homedepot.com
- Lowe’s – https://www.lowes.com
- Best Buy – https://www.bestbuy.com
1. Unplug the Refrigerator
Before starting, unplug the refrigerator for safety.
2. Empty the Door Shelves
Remove any food or items from the door to make it lighter and easier to handle.
3. Remove the Top Hinge
- Locate the top hinge on the side of the door.
- Remove the screws using a screwdriver or socket wrench.
- Lift the hinge off and set it aside.
- Carefully lift the door off the lower hinge and place it on a padded surface.
4. Remove the Bottom Hinge
- Unscrew and remove the bottom hinge from the refrigerator body.
- If there’s a middle hinge (on some models), remove it as well.
6. Move the Handles (If Necessary)
- Some refrigerator doors have separate handles that must be moved.
- Unscrew the handles and reattach them on the opposite side.
- Cover any exposed holes with provided caps (some models include these).
7. Reinstall the Door
- Place the door onto the bottom hinge.
- Align the top hinge and screw it back in place.
5. Transfer Hinges to the Opposite Side
- Locate the pre-drilled holes on the opposite side of the fridge.
- Reinstall the bottom hinge in the corresponding holes.
- If applicable, attach the middle hinge.
8. Check Alignment and Tighten Everything
- Ensure the door closes properly and sits evenly.
- Tighten all screws securely.
- If needed, adjust the leveling feet to ensure a proper seal.
9. Plug in the Refrigerator and Test
- Plug the fridge back in and check that the door seals properly.
- Make sure the gasket (rubber seal) is intact and no gaps exist.
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