Silence A Squeaky Floor

Tools:

cardboard
damp towel
electronic stud finder
power drill
kit for securing floor through carpeting (available at most hardware stores, includes alignment tool and special screws with snap-off heads)

1. First locate area of creaks. Place cardboard on floor and slide stud finder along to locate floor joists. Studs usually run along the width of a house. Mark location of studs by laying pennies on carpet.

2. Use a damp cloth to help pull back carpet fibers, clearing a path for the repair. Place alignment tool above spot (figure A).

3. Insert special screw into tool and use power drill to drive screw through carpet, subfloor and into joist.

4. The screw head will stick out of the carpet, but don't be alarmed. The alignment tool includes a notch in one leg for snapping off top of screw (figure B). Go ahead and do so.

5. Continue placing screws until all squeaks are banished.

5. Continue placing screws until all squeaks are banished.