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Help & FAQs
The loads that our cleats hold depends on:-
- The size of rope - Larger ropes will hold higher loads than smaller ones.
- Rope construction - Ropes with cores hold higher loads.
- Age and condition of rope - A new, clean rope holds higher loads than an old, worn rope that is full of dirt and sand.
Clamcleat® rope cleats are sold throughout the world, wherever sailing takes place. Many chandlers and online stores stock our cleats. Enter our cleat number in any search engine to see where to buy. Click here to see all our distributors, or see the links at the bottom of any page.
This really depends on how cleats are used. We often see nylon cleats that are over 10 years old, when they have been used for light loads on control lines. However, tensioning a rope by dragging it back through the teeth will quickly burn out a nylon cleat. This is why alloy cleats were originally developed. Alloy cleats withstand this type of use, as long as the rope is clean. A dirty rope that is full of sand will wear out any fitting. Windsurfers and kitesurfers who have to rig on coral sand beaches certainly know that their equipment has a limited life. Hard anodised cleats have slightly better wear resistance than silver ones.
Nylon cleats are completely resistant to salt water corrosion. They are also resistant to many acid and chemicals. Alloy cleats have "excellent” corrosion resistance. Hard anodised cleats have slightly better corrosion resistance than silver ones.
Our nylon cleats are all stocked in black as standard. Many are also available in white.
Alloy cleats are available with silver or hard anodised finishes. Silver finish is fine for most applications. Hard anodised finish is slightly more wear and corrosion resistant. Many people also prefer the colour. Hard anodised cleats cost about 10% more than silver ones.
Popular cleats are available in nylon, silver and hard anodised versions.
Alloy cleats can be used from -40C to +100C (-40F to +210F). They are suitable for all climates.
Nylon cleats work best from -5C to +40C (+20F to +100F). They will hold lower loads outside these temperatures. If you want to hold higher loads, or at high or low temperatures, please contact us to discuss your application.
Line-Lok® guy runners are specially designed to be used from -40C to +40C (-40F to +100F). They have been tested from Mount Everest to the central Australian desert.
Most cleats are designed to take countersunk (flathead) head screws and bolts. We have a page of helpful hints for fixing here
When using electric or pneumatic tools, do not set the power too high. When riveting nylon cleats, use just enough power to set the rivet correctly. With pneumatic or electric screwdrivers, set the torque just high enough to tighten the screw correctly. The only concerns we receive about cleats breaking during assembly are due to power settings being too high.
For further fitting information on specific cleats, please see our installation drawings here.
No, because these vary so much, depending on what the cleat is fixed to. Wood, ply, alloy and fibreglass all need different fastenings.
