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Is there anything tricky about switching from a right hand opening to left hand opening door?

Yes. Only those refrigerators originally designed as reversible can be changed, even if there are plugs in the cabinet hiding holes on the opposite side.

The hinge screws do not attach to the cabinet itself but instead go into a 'tapping plate' (type of nut) mounted underneath the cabinet skin . Often there are only 'tapping plates' mounted on one side of the cabinet when manufactured (probably to save in manufacturing costs). Without these tapping plates welded inside the cabinet on the opposite side, the hinge screws will have nothing to grab onto when transferred.

Your best bet is to check in the owners manual or get the complete model number and contact the manufacturer before attempting this job. The manufacturer will be able to tell you for sure if your model is adaptable or not.

Models that were designed with reversable doors should be able to be changed easily with just a screwdriver. On some models, new hinges may also be required.

For help on locating the model number on your appliances, look in the Appliance411 Parts section. For links to the various appliance manufacturers web pages, have a look in the Appliance411 Links section.

Helpful link(s)


Appliance Aid: Reversing a Refrigerator Door

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