Cleat

A fitting shaped to secure or control a line.

A horn cleat has two projecting horns around which a line can be made fast, commonly with a cleat hitch. It may be fitted to a vessel, pontoon or quay. Cam and jam cleats grip a line differently and are generally used to hold running rigging that must be adjusted or released quickly.

The fitting and its attachment must be suitable for the direction and size of the expected load. Lines should be led fairly, without avoidable chafe, and crew should keep hands clear when a loaded line is being eased or released. A cleat intended for light control lines should not be assumed suitable for mooring or towing loads.