tbear - 7:49 pm on Oct 6, 2004 (gmt 0)

If you're gonna whack a few more nails in, I'd recommend you don't put them in straight (even if you could), bang 2 in at reverse angles.
Better still, use screws, the anti-oxidation type, so they last.
I always used screws in the (Victorian) London house I had. Get them in nice and tight, I scraped them on a bar of soap before screwing them in to help them go in easier (and out if needed). Worked a treat, countersunk the screws, ran over lounge floor with a sanding machine and put on a catalytic varnish. Beautiful and no squeaks or squeeks!