Choosing Your Cleats
A cleat locks a tensioned rope and allows it to be released when necessary. Several types exist: jam cleats, cam cleats, rope clutches, and standard cleats. Here are the 5 points to check.
1. The rope diameter
Each cleat is designed for a range of diameters. A rope that is too thin will slip; a rope that is too thick will wear out or fail to enter. The Clamcleat mini CL253 and the Spinlock PXR mini clutches (Ø2-6 mm) are intended for small ropes, the Clamcleat junior CL211 Mk2 for dinghy lines, the Clamcleat midi CL254 (Ø4-8 mm), and the CL219 Racing (6-12 mm) for larger ropes.
Clamcleat mini aluminium CL253
2. The locking mechanism
The jam cleat (like the Clamcleat type) has no moving parts and locks the rope in grooves. The cam cleat, such as the Harken Carbo-cam cleat or Micro Carbo-cam II cleat, grips the rope between two spring-loaded cams and releases with an upward flick. The rope clutch, such as the swiveling PXR mini clutch, is adjustable based on the diameter. For mooring or static adjustments, a standard cleat such as the 80 mm nylon cleat allows for securing the rope.
Harken Carbo-cam cleat
3. The lead angle
A cleat functions correctly when the rope enters along its axis. A fairlead or guide directs the rope and facilitates locking from different positions: Carbo-cam 365 fairlead and cleat, Micro Carbo II cleat + extreme angle fairlead, and stainless steel guides for Clamcleat CL230 and CL253. A wedge such as the tapered pad for CL211 Mk1 corrects the angle on an inclined deck. Flat-mounted Clamcleats are available in port and starboard versions depending on the direction of pull.
Harken Carbo-cam 365 fairlead and cleat
4. Releasing
Check how easily the rope releases under load, especially for sheets. The Carbo fairlead cleat with quick release makes releasing easier. For certain safety-related uses, the Clamcleat auto-release safety cleat releases the rope once a certain load is exceeded.
Harken Carbo fairlead cleat with quick release
5. Material and mounting
Composite cleats are lightweight, while those made of aluminum or stainless steel resist abrasion from Dyneema ropes. Check the hole spacing if you are replacing an existing cleat. For mounting on a tube, the aluminum Clamcleat kit for 25mm tube eliminates the need for drilling. On cam cleats, springs wear out and can be replaced, for example, with the spring for Carbo-cam HSB56 cleat.
Aluminum Clamcleat kit for 25mm tube
Find all models in our cleats and rope clutches collection.