How to tie a cleating
The orange arrow shows the movement to the next step. The yellow and blue lines tell the two lines apart. The last image shows the finished knot.
Step 1 Lead the line to the far horn of the cleat and take a turn around the base of the cleat.
Step 2 Cross over the centre and around one horn. Continue across the centre the other way to make a figure eight.
Step 3 Twist a loop in the line and drop it over the last horn so the line is pinched under the crossing. Pull tight; the locking turn should lie flat.
Strengths and limitations
An initial round turn takes the load, crossed figure-eights hold the line and a locking half hitch secures the tail.
Keep fingers clear of pinch points. Don't put so much line on that the cleat fills up and becomes hard to release.
Practise with a loose line on land. Never use these practice knots for climbing or personal safety.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need lots of figure eights on the cleat?
No. Don't overfill the cleat. The line must fit and be possible to ease out under control once the load is off.
Sources
Practise more knots
Bowline
A fixed loop, for example around a bollard.
Figure-eight knot
A stopper knot that prevents the line from running through a fitting.
Two half hitches
Secures a line around a post or ring under steady load.
Reef knot
Ties two ends together around a bundle or a furled sail.
Sheet bend
Joins two lines, especially when they are of different thickness.
Bollard hitch
Mooring around a bollard with a round turn and two half hitches.
Slipped bowline
A temporary, quick-release hitch with a pull-out bight.