Patching and Plastering - How to fix nail pops and "settlement" cracks

What's the best way to fix nail pops and "settlement" cracks?

If I just hammer in the nail pops and spackle, will they pop again?

Yes - If a nail has popped it's loose. Try to pull the nail and drive a dry wall screw nearby.

Thanks! After patching the screw holes, is the spackle very likely to crack later?

Also, would it be good use screws on corner bead where the metal bead has popped away from the wall?

The spackle shouldn't crack. As for the corner bead I usually use ring shank nails. They have a flat head and won't pull out.

and for a better finish don't use spackle, use a joint/ drywall compound(easier to paint/cover)
just my input (do it everyday with these apartments, 10000 units plus).

barry

and for a better finish don't use spackle, use a joint/ drywall compound(easier to paint/cover)
just my input (do it everyday with these apartments, 10000 units plus).

barry

What is the difference between spackle and joint compound?

Spackle is for minor repairs [has less shrinkage] and isn't workable over large areas. Joint compound can be used both for finishing and repairing drywall.

thanks marksr, been trying to help a freind of mind get a web site up, so i have been a little bit slow to answer. in my expereance, you can tell when someone moves out and has tried to cover nail or screw holes with spackle and then the painter goes and paints over the wall, it stands out like a sore thumb.
i think it has something to do with the plastics in spackle, doesn't take paint well, heck i don't know, i just know that we have to sand down the spot, put a little mud on , sand, prime, and paint. ( the owners like us to keep the place looking like we would like to live there, which i, as well as the property manager, the asst. mgr. and 2 techs).

barry

I believe the reason spackled repairs often show is because they are quick and often inadequate repairs. I doubt they would show if done correctly. I almost always use joint compound but then I never could see buying a pint of spackle when I always have a bucket [or partial] of mud on hand.

yeah, just spread it, dry it, sand it, prime it and forget it.
it's also the closest material chemically to regular drywall.

barry