Are there studfinders that can sense floor joist through 3/4 plywood floor board? What brand and model?

Question

I'm trying to get rid of the squeak in my floor upstairs. I've screwed it down on every joist that I can find (16 on center) every 6 in. or so and it still squeaks. I'm thinking maybe they changed directions and I missed a few of them. Do you have any other ideas to help me get rid of the squeaking?

Answer 1

First of all, Stud finders only locate the metal nails/screws used to put up the wallboard, etc. They cannot locate the wooden joists by themselves. That said, I assume that you have exposed the 3/4" plywood and can visually see the nails or screws that are holding the plywood to the floor beams. If there are any other parallel beams or cross beams that are not indicated by nails or screws, you'll have a devil of a time finding them. My only suggestion would be to tap on the plywood with a hammer to "feel" or hear the solid sound of a supporting beam. It's not a perfect solution but it might solve your problem.

By the way, sprinkle some talcum powder down in the seams where your plywood butts up to each other. This might be a location of the squeak and the talcum powder will eliminate it.

Good luck!!

Answer 2

Stop screwing around. Look for a stud detector that has a deep sensing, and electrical circuit capability too. I use an orange Black and Decker. Then, marking the spot that squeaks, look for other spots related to that lumber line. It could be a joist issue, which requires a different repair approach. Remember that the squeaking is caused by a nail being pinched by subflooring when that section of flooring is load bearing. Once you can locate the exact spot, you have to shim the subfloor from underneath by installing a wedge(s) under it, then screwing it, but at that point a charge driven nailer, using the corrrect nails will work better. You will have to go under the floor by cutting a working hole in the ceiling below. Not a big deal. However, I can't advise you because I don't know your home construction type yet.

Answer 3

I don't know the brand but generally any $20.00 stud finder at lowes or the depot will scan up to 1 1/2 " deep