That subfloor squeak I chased for two days in Boise was a screw, not a nail

I had a remodel in Boise last month, old house, hardwood over 3/4 ply. Owner kept complaining about a squeak right by the door. I pulled carpet in the bedroom, checked joists, added blocking, even tried shims. Two days of crawling around, maybe 6 hours total. Finally I just laid on my back under the house with a flashlight while my helper walked on it. Turns out it was a drywall screw that had backed out a half inch and was rubbing the subfloor on every step. One twist with a screw gun and it was done. I mean, I felt dumb but also kinda proud. Has anyone else spent way too long on a noise that turned out to be something stupid simple? What's your time waster?

2 comments

2 Comments

faith271d agoMost Upvoted

Swear I chased a clicking noise for a whole weekend once, turned out to be a loose change on the floor vent.

rowan_ross1d ago

Ever notice the universe always hides the dumb, simple stuff right where you'd never think to look?