Microck

Microck / tailstick

Public

USB-delivered Tailscale enrollment tool with session/timed leases & autonomous cleanup

tailstick.micr.dev cli golang gui linux networking
19
1
100% credibility
Found Apr 12, 2026 at 19 stars -- GitGems finds repos before they trend. Get early access to the next one.
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AI Analysis
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AI Summary

Tailstick is a USB-based tool for securely adding Windows and Linux machines to a Tailscale network with temporary or permanent access modes and built-in automatic cleanup.

How It Works

1
📱 Hear about Tailstick

You learn about this handy tool for safely connecting computers to your private network using a USB stick.

2
💾 Grab it for your USB

Download the ready-to-use program and put it on a USB drive so you can take it anywhere.

3
⚙️ Set your rules

Tell it how long the connection should last, like just for today or a few weeks.

4
Pick your way to start
🌐
Friendly web page

A web page opens in your browser with easy buttons to click.

⌨️
Quick steps

Follow a few straightforward instructions right there.

5
🔗 Connect securely

Watch as it joins your network safely with the access you chose, feeling protected and in control.

✅ All set and safe

Your computer is connected exactly how you wanted, and it cleans up automatically when time's up.

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AI-Generated Review

What is tailstick?

Tailstick is a Go-built, USB-delivered Tailscale enrollment tool that lets sysadmins onboard Windows or Linux machines to a tailnet with one binary on a stick. It handles controlled enrollment using presets for auth keys and tags, then sets up session/timed/permanent leases with autonomous cleanup via a persistent agent—even after the USB is yanked. CLI commands like `tailstick run --preset ops-readonly --mode timed` or a local browser GUI make it dead simple for field use.

Why is it gaining traction?

Unlike ad-hoc scripts or full backends, tailstick bundles enrollment, lease management, and self-cleaning into a portable tool—no servers needed. Session leases wipe on reboot, timed ones expire after 1-30 days, and cleanup hits Tailscale API to nuke devices, all autonomously. Devs dig the config-driven presets and audit logs for compliance without scripting chaos.

Who should use this?

Sysadmins provisioning temporary field laptops or servers for remote ops teams. IT ops handling air-gapped onboarding where you plug in, enroll, and walk away with timed access. Small teams avoiding Tailscale's web auth for controlled, auditable workflows.

Verdict

Grab it if you need portable Tailscale enrollment with smart leases—solid docs, tests, and cross-platform support punch above its 19 stars and 1.0% credibility score. Still early; watch for broader Linux distro support before production fleets.

(187 words)

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