My basement walls are already framed and insulated but not finished. I want to decouple the walls from the joists above using PAC RSIC-DC04 isolation clips. I will be using isolation clips and hat track for the ceiling too, which will only have about a 1/2" gap from the bottom of the joists to the top of the drywall (double w/ GG).

What are my choices to create a 1/2" gap to decouple the top plate from the joists?
{I had to re drain tile my basement, so at least one wall is slighly sunk into the concrete they repoured around the inside perimeter of the basement. 1/8-1/4" in places}


Tear down walls and start over :(
Tear down wall, cut studs shorter and reinstall
Ream out a gap in top plate underneath each joist location (there will be a nail in there though)
Other more creative methods...

Hey Boomer, Im have exactly the same situation as you..to date the best solution i have thought of without ripping the wall entirely out and starting over is to chalk a line 3.5 inches down from the joists on the studs. (3 /12" should allow you to miss any nails driven down ito the stud) You should be able to cut about 2 1/2" through the stud with a circular saw and finish off the cut with a sawzall. Then put in a double top plate and add the isolation clips. i havent started yet, but if you decide to take this route pleast let me know how bit a PITA it is..

Good idea. I suppose I could tack up a piece of wood as a guide, for the circular saw, to keep the cut as square as possible too.