On Tue, 24 Oct 2006 19:53:02 -0400, John E.
wrote:

Googling squeaky stair repair, I see 2 different recommendations: wedges from
below, and nails from above.

Where are hardwood wedges available? I see the soft ones, about 8 inches
long, but they are soft wood, not something I want to trust to keep the stair
treads in place. Where can I find hardwood ones?

Make your own?

If I go the nail route from the top of the stairs, what's the best nail? 8d
is recommended, but should ring-shank, or resin-coated, or...?

I don't think you need ring shank or anything special if you do what
I've done and seen done other places to keep nails from coming out.
Put them in at an angle, 20 or 30 degrees maybe. Then put a second
nail in leaning the opposite direction. Any forces that push the
tread up will have to move the tread in one direction to move up one
nail, and in the other direction to lift the other. Believe you me,
it's a real nuisance when you want to separate pieces of wood that
have been nailed this way. One has to take at least one of the two
nails out first.

Have someone heavy and fat stand on the step when you do this. (Has
to be heavy and fat. If just fat, it could be a fat 5-foot woman, or
a fat 6-year old.)

It's been
awhile since I looked at nail technology, so recommendations are appreciated.

Thanks,