i've got a cruddy 120 degree outside wall corner that needs to be refinished. the original plaster has holes and crumbling pieces. originally i tried to refinish it with tape and mud, but my edge was not particularly straight. then i discovered the 120 degree corner bead and it seemed to be a gift from heaven. when i tried to attach it to the wall, however, i found that there is virtually nothing behind the plaster to hold the metal strip/bead. any suggestions on what i can use to attach the bead snugly -- at least until i get a good coating of mud on there? nails go it, but don't keep it tight. might screws work better? or a particularly kind of screw/nail? thanks

I'm going about fixing a lot of cracks in my 80 year old house. I've been doing the fibatape and joint compound way....but recently I encountered a painter who said he uses caulk for small cracks. That does sound a lot easier. What are people's thoughts?