Cannot reverse fridge freezer door - manufacturing fault?

[joeh87]

I recently purchased a Samsung RB38T633ESA/EU Fridge Freezer.

I need to reverse the door so I have proper access and have tried to follow the instructions in the manual to do this.

However there is a problem when I get to step 7. In this step, you are supposed to remove the screws from the bottom hinge. They are way too tight to get loose using a Philips screwdriver, so they would only be removable using a wrench (as suggested in the manual). However, for some reason, on my Fridge these screws are round head screws meaning its not possible to get them loose using a wrench. This seems to be a manufacturing fault or mistake as the manual suggests they should be proper hexagon head screws similar to the other hinges.

I have added a screenshot of the manual and photos of the round head screws.

Can anyone help suggest what I can do here? What can I do to reverse the door? I have tried contacting phone support but they have been extremely unhelpful and did not understand the problem.

Thanks in advance

[antikythera]

Do you have or know someone with an electronic screwdriver that could apply more torque than you with a standard manual Philips? They would have been installed with one in the factory

[Shazzkid]

The screw head isn't stripped, so it can't be that tight, you just need to get someone stronger.

[sd1231]

I had the same issue with my Samsung refrigerator model RB38T602CS9. I managed to remove the screw but it didn't screw back in properly on the left side because the screw is not the right size and is not able to grip. Trying to find the correct replacement bolt now and hoping that it would help fix the issue.

[AirBerto]

did you solve this? and if so, how?

I just tried reversing it and had the same problem… somehow wood and drywall screws fit in, albeit still wiggling, and I put in two drywall hooks to patch it temporarily

[sd1231]

I noticed the same issue on the original right side too, so I decided to just keep it as it is. Also, it looks like even though the screw is loose and able to move in and out, the hinge doesn't move when the door is opened. I was satisfied with this so I didn't bother pursuing it further.

[ESZ1]

I attempted this door reversal too. There was no hole on the opposite side of the fridge to put the screw into. Samsung wouldn't fix/return the fridge despite it being 3 days old.  

Appalling customer service despite trying to escalate this. Now more shocked that it's probably a known issue.