Dear James: I just moved into an older house, and a lot of the drywall tape is coming loose and needs retaping. Why did it come loose, and how should I replace it? -- Randall N. Dear Randall: It is ...

Spackling paste or joint compound (drywall mud) Fine-grit Sandpaper or fine-grit sanding sponge Putty knife (aka joint knife, drywall knife) 6-inch drywall knife or 12-inch drywall taping knife (for ...

Add Drywall Tape (Optional): For minor cracks that might become larger cracks or deep cracks that might reopen, consider applying a strip of self-adhesive mesh tape over the filled crack. Smooth it ...