Scratches

• 1). Sand the surface of the wood where there is a scratch. If it is a deep scratch start with a medium grit paper. Sand out from the scratch with a light touch so that you can feather out the sanded surface. This way it won't create a dip in the floor. Repeat the sanding with a fine paper after the scratch is removed. This will smooth the surface. Repeat again with an ultra fine paper such as 220 grit to polish. You can do this by hand if it is a small area, or use a power hand sander for a larger repair.
  
  
• 2). Brush on a stain in a similar color. If possible get a scrap piece of wood that is the same as your floor and test stains before applying it to the actual floor. Sometimes floors fade and the original color might not match as well as a lighter shade. Once you find a stain that matches, brush it on the floor with a wool applicator, following the grain of the wood. Let this dry for four to six hours. If it is an oil-based stain, let it dry overnight.
  
  
• 3). Brush on a polyurethane clear coat over the repair area. Let this dry for 24 hours, then lightly sand with a fine sandpaper. Apply a second coat, and if necessary a third coat in the same way.
  
  

Creaks or Loose Nails

• 1). Pry up loose nails with pliers or the claw end of a hammer. Also remove nails in the area where there is a squeak.
  
  
• 2). Drill pilot holes for two-inch flat head screws. Use a drill bit that is smaller in diameter than the screws. The screws will pull the wood down to the joist that they are attached to and won't loosen as easily as a nail. This will also take care of any squeak issues.
  
  
• 3). Use a counter sink bit to create a small indention in the wood over the pilot holes, so that the heads of the screws will be below the surface of the wood.
  
  
• 4). Drill the screws into the pilot holes until they go below the surface. Fill over top of the screws with a colored wood putty that closely matches the stain color, using a putty knife. Also fill in the holes where the nails used to be. Let the putty dry for several hours, and then sand it smooth.