Fixing a Squeak from Above

If you don't have access to the underside of the staircase, try these steps for fixes from above.

 

Quiet your staircase.

• Drill
• Hammer
• Ringshank flooring nails
• Hardwood wedges
• Glue
• Utility knife

 

Illustration 1

Option 1: Drive in nails. Drill pilot holes at opposing angles and drive in ringshank flooring nails. (See Illustration 1.)

 

Illustration 2

Option 2: Drive in new wedges. Coat wedges with glue, tap into place (see Illustration 2), and let dry. Cut off wedge ends with a utility knife.

 

Illustration 3

Option 3: For uncarpeted stairs, you can tighten joints by adding molding. Cut a strip of molding to the width of the treat, apply glue and put in place. Drive nails into both risers and treads (see Illustration 3).