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The difference between a mortise latch and a tubular latch is how they're mounted. A mortise latch has a single integrated lock body. One long rectangular space is cut into the door to contain it. A single keyhole is used to unlock both the dead bolt and latch from the outside. A tubular latch is a standard setup with a dead bolt separate from the regular spring bolt latch.

A screen door needs at least two hinges, though most have three or four hinges. The amount of hinges depends on the weight and size of the door. The heavier your door, the more hinges it will need for support. Exterior doors, which are sturdier than interior doors, have the most hinges.

Though you can remove your interior door and paint it on a flat surface, doing so can be more time-consuming and labor-intensive. The easiest way to paint an interior door is by simply leaving it on its hinges and then painting both sides of the door all at once. That way, you can avoid having to reinstall the door, you don’t have to find a project site to paint it, and you get a faster dry time.

The vast majority of hinges are symmetrical, and either side of the hinge can go on the door or the frame. Occasionally, you'll find a hinge specifically made for right or left-handed doors with different attachment hardware or larger plates on one side. In most cases, the large side of the hinge goes on the frame.

It is possible to install hinges backward, so be careful when placing them. Position the hinge so that the hinge pin faces the direction the door will swing. For example, if you're standing on the side the door will open into, the pin should be visible. Be extra careful when installing exterior doors, as placing the hinges on the outside for an outward-facing door makes your home much easier to break into.