Dear Pat: I have started using my ex husband's old pneumatic tools for projects. The old rubber hose has sprung a leak. I went online looking for a new one, but there are dozens of types. Which type do I need? — Jerri M.

Dear Jerri: If you have a compressor and pneumatic tools, they are generally better than electric or cordless tools for major tasks. The reason is that the maximum power output of an electric tool is limited by the amount of electric current it draws. A standard 120-volt wall outlet has a maximum of about 15 amperes.

A compressor may use the same 15 amperes of electricity over three minutes to fill the air tank with high-pressure air. A pneumatic tool can use this pressure and air volume in less than one minute, so the maximum power output of the tool can be several times greater than an electric one.

Air hoses do wear out over time, and the typical air hose included with many home-use compressors is not the highest quality to start with. There are various grades of rubber air hoses available, but it can be difficult to distinguish the quality. Generally, the price is a good indicator.

You should probably consider some of the newer air hose materials instead of just settling for rubber. Rubber tends to crack around metal fittings over time and, because the exterior surface is porous, it can be difficult to keep clean. This can be a problem if you are working indoors and have the hose on carpet or over furniture.

Before selecting the type of air hose, consider the type of pneumatic tools you plan to use and the length of hose you need. These factors can determine how well the air tool operates. An air hose size is designated by the inside diameter of the hose, even though the outside may look the same. The most common sizes are 1/4 and 3/8 inch inside diameters.

A tool that uses a lot of compressed air volume will need a 3/8-inch hose. The label on the tool should list its airflow requirement. In order to save weight and cost, some people use a combination of hose materials. A typical setup is 25 feet of heavy 3/8-inch rubber hose with another 10 feet of lightweight plastic hose between it and the tool.

PVC air hose is one of the newest hose materials that is less expensive than good-quality rubber hose. It is lighter than rubber, which can be a significant advantage if you are working off the ground. The exterior is smooth, so it will not damage wood trim, and it can easily be cleaned. A 50-foot 3/8-inch hose should cost from $10 to $20.

Another new material for air hoses is polyurethane. Its cost, from $30 to $65 for 50 feet, is significantly higher than other hose materials, but it is the favorite choice of many professionals. It weighs less than half as much as a rubber air hose and two-thirds as much as PVC. It is durable, but you should handle it with care because it has a tendency to kink or twist.

For indoor jobs near the compressor, an inexpensive nylon hose is a good option. It is usually sold in 1/4-inch diameter and coiled. This makes it easy to store by the compressor and it is lightweight and easy to keep clean.

Send your questions to Here's How, 6906 Royalgreen Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45244 or visit www.dulley.com. To find out more about Pat Logan and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.