[TriLUG] Small Linux distro for a USB stick

[Rodney Radford]

I need a small bootable Linux distro I can install on a USB stick.  The main criteria is that it can handle a wide variety of client PCs as I will be using it as a maintenance system to allow access to a possibly dead/locked out PC.

I am aware of DSL and have considered it, but it is actually much more than I need, including word processors, image paint programs, file servers, etc.  Unfortunately, there does not seem to be a way to easily configure it - short of installing it and then start whacking to remove what I don't need.  I may fall back on it, but I was wondering if anyone has any experience or knowledge of any other distros.

The main goals are:
    * support a wide range of hardware (I just need to be able to get to the PC's disks)
    * small
    * simple command line (server) system - no GUI required
    * small
    * installable on a USB stick

I have spent a little bit of time with google, but not finding what I want - and I am really hoping someone here has actual experience using a distro they can recommend. 

One option is to roll my own, but I am hoping I don't have to go that route (read that as I am too lazy, and on a time crunch).

Thanx,
Rodney