How to Correct Noise Problems on Hardwood Floors

Walk across the hardwood floor planks until you hear a noise. Look at the location as you step on it to identify the actual board producing the noise. Apply a small piece of masking tape to the board for later identification. Continue walking around the floor to identify all remaining noisy boards.

Put on protective eyewear and insert a 3/32-inch bit into a power drill. Place the tip of the drill on the floorboard located next to one of the taped boards. Squeeze the trigger to create an inch-deep hole.

Place the bottom of a three-legged depth-control fixture tool over the hole in the floor. This tool, which looks like a metal tripod with a center hole, guides the screw into the floor.

Insert a snap-off screw into the top of the tool and screw it into the floor as far as possible, using a screwdriver. Snap off screws are longer than standard screws and have a threaded base and a score line near the top. The score line allows you to break off the top.

Grasp the depth-control fixture tool in your hand and twist it quickly to the side to break off the top of the screw.

Open up a container of wood putty filler that is the same color as the hardwood flooring. Scoop out a pea-sized amount with a plastic putty knife. Spread the putty into the hole until it's filled.

Wait until the putty feels dry to the touch and sand it with fine-grit sandpaper.