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Briefs and news of note

By JUDY STARK
Published July 1, 2006

Wrench halves user's effort

Look, Ma, one hand! The new 8-inch AutoWrench from Black & Decker adjusts with the push of a button to grab any nut or bolt up to 1¹/₄ inches. Handy when you're working in a tight space where two-handed adjustment isn't easy. Try it when you're installing a new shower head or assembling a grill. It's powered by two AAA batteries. Suggested retail is about $50.

The home's cleanest surfaces

Here's the dirt: Counter tops are the surface we clean most frequently throughout the week, 51 percent of respondents said in a survey conducted for the Soap and Detergent Association. What else? Floors (15 percent), sink (10 percent), bathtub (8 percent), toilet (6 percent), appliances (3 percent).

Colors spark urge to paint

Rust-Oleum has added seven colors to its "American Accents" palette for big and small projects inside the house and out. The new hues: aqua, mango, French lilac, sweet pea (pink), above, paprika, espresso and green apple. They work with other colors in the line of 40 spray-on and brush-on paints, available at Lowe's and Home Depot. Find project ideas to fill up your summer at www.paintideas.com.

Entertaining outdoor chic

Summer outdoor entertaining ideas: Fill a big glass or clear-plastic bowl with ice cubes; tuck in just a few flowers (hibiscus looks great) and some greenery, and call it a center-piece, very minimalist and cool. Cover your outdoor table with burlap, then place shells or stones down the center, the July issue of Family Circle suggests. Scatter votives around, and don't forget floating candles in the pool after dark.

- Compiled by Homes editor JUDY STARK

[Last modified June 30, 2006, 10:16:14]