Secure a line to a horn cleat with crossing turns and a locking hitch.
Also known as Halyard cleat hitch.
A cleat hitch secures a line to a two-horn cleat. The rope first bears around the base, then crosses between the horns in a figure-eight pattern. This lesson ends with a locking hitch that traps the finishing section beneath its own turn.
A locking finish is one cleating method, not a requirement for every dock-line setup. The line should fit the cleat and approach it without fighting the first turn. Extra layers can make an otherwise simple attachment harder to inspect or release.
When to use it
Secure a line to a two-horn cleat.
Keep in mind
This version has a locking finish. An unlocked dock-line method is a separate variant.
Check your knot
The base turn follows the intended approach of the line.
The crossing turns lie neatly between the horns.
The final locking turn traps the end rather than adding a loose loop.
How to tie Cleat Hitch
Start above the cleat
The standing part comes down beside the cleat.
Lead to the far horn
Bring the end down to the lower horn first.
Pass around both horns
Go around the lower horn, then the upper horn in the same direction.
Cross down the front
Bring the end diagonally down-right across the cleat.
Go under the lower horn
Curve around the lower horn to start the next crossing.
Cross upward
Bring the end up-right over the first diagonal.
Leave an open loop
Extend a loop beside the upper horn, with the tail hanging down.
Twist the locking loop
Turn the open loop into a half hitch beside the cleat.
Place it over the horn
Lift the loop over the top of the upper horn.
Lower the half hitch
Draw the loop down around the horn. The tail passes beneath the diagonal.
Check the cleat hitch
The crossed turns finish with a locking half hitch. This lesson shows the locking variant.
