How to Repair the Metal Corner Strip on Walls

Install a metal cutting blade into a hacksaw and place the blade 2 to 3 inches above the damaged portion of the wall corner. Cut into the wall by 1 inch, making the cut straight through the corner section and equal on both sides.

Move the hacksaw blade to 2 or 3 inches below the damaged portion and cut through it in the same manner.

Chip away the damaged section using a chisel and hammer until you can see both edges of the metal strip. Use the exposed section as a guide to cut up along each side of the strip using a utility knife.

Grasp the damaged section of the metal strip using your hands and pull it out from the wall. If needed, insert a screwdriver behind the edge of the metal strip to help pry it off.

Place the damaged portion on top of a new strip of metal corner bead aligning the ends perfectly. Note the location where you must cut the new bead to match the old one and then cut through it using tin snips.

Open a small tub of joint compound and scoop out ½ cup using a flexible plastic putty knife. Spread it onto the wall where you removed the corner bead and extend the compound out 1 inch beyond the edges of the repair site.

Press the new metal strip onto the corner so that the joint compound holds it in place. If needed, insert a 3/4-inch screw into the holes of the corner bead at the top and bottom of the repair section to hold it in place.

Add more joint compound to the top of the corner bead until no part of the metal remains exposed. Wait until the joint compound dries and then sand it smooth using a piece of fine-grit sandpaper.

Prime and paint the corner of the wall to complete the repair.