In nautical contexts, a cleat is a device for securing a rope. Types Types of cleat designs include the following: A horn cleat is the traditional design, featuring two “horns” extending parallel to the deck or the axis of the spar, attached to a flat surface or a spar, and resembling an anvil. A cam cleat in which one or two spring-loaded cams pinch the rope, allowing the rope to be adjusted easily, and quickly released when under load. A jam cleat in which the line is pinched in a v-shaped slot. A clam cleat (or jam cleat) in which the rope is held between two fluted stationary pieces. Such a cleat vaguely resembles two halves of a clam shell held back to back. It is more compact than a cam cleat, but the rope is less easily released under load. A cleat hitch is a knot used to secure a rope to a cleat. References Bibliography Ashley, Clifford W. (1993) [1944], The Ashley Book of Knots, New York: Doubleday, p. Dust jacket, External links http://www.bcx.news/photos/things/water/nautical/cleats/ Watercraft components