cordon-node

Marks a Kubernetes node unschedulable via the Kubernetes API.

3|Updated Dec 2, 2025

Search Tags:#remediation #maintenance #kubernetes #node #cordon #unschedulable

Ready to run

npx skills add https://github.com/X-McKay/kubani --skill cordon-node

💬 Prompt for ChatGPT / Claude Chat▼

Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: cordon-node
Source: https://github.com/X-McKay/kubani/tree/main/kubani/skills/k8s/remediation/cordon-node
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/X-McKay/kubani --skill cordon-node

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes scripts (resource) and references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

This Skill allows you to safely take a Kubernetes node offline for maintenance without disrupting running services.

Core Features & Use Cases

Node Isolation: Mark a node as unschedulable to prevent new pods from being placed on it.
Controlled Maintenance: Facilitates planned downtime for node upgrades or troubleshooting.
Use Case: When a specific server in your Kubernetes cluster needs a kernel update, use this skill to cordon that node, allowing existing workloads to continue running while no new ones are scheduled to it.

Quick Start

Use the cordon-node skill to mark the node named 'worker-node-3' as unschedulable.

Frequently Asked Questions about cordon-node

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema

How do I cordon a Kubernetes node for maintenance?▼

To cordon a Kubernetes node, you mark it as unschedulable to prevent new pod scheduling. This isolates the node for controlled maintenance while allowing existing running workloads to continue operating without disruption.

What does cordon mean in Kubernetes?▼

Cordon in Kubernetes means marking a node as unschedulable. This prevents the scheduler from placing any new pods onto that specific node, which is essential for safely isolating the server during troubleshooting or planned downtime.

Does cordoning a node stop running pods?▼

Cordoning a node does not stop running pods. It only prevents new pods from being scheduled onto the node, allowing existing workloads to continue running while you perform maintenance or kernel updates.

When should I cordon a Kubernetes node?▼

You should cordon a Kubernetes node when you need to take it offline for maintenance. This action ensures controlled downtime for node upgrades or troubleshooting by safely isolating the server without disrupting running services.

Can I use kubectl to mark a node as unschedulable?▼

Yes, you can mark a node as unschedulable using the Kubernetes API. The cordon operation verifies the current node status, applies the unschedulable mark, and confirms the change to safely isolate the server for maintenance.

What is the best way to isolate a node for cluster troubleshooting?▼

The best way to isolate a node for cluster troubleshooting is to cordon it. This marks the Kubernetes node as unschedulable, preventing new pod placement while existing workloads continue running during your maintenance window.