Clamcleats®, V-Cleats & Jamming Cleats

Clam cleats — sometimes called jam cleats — use a simple V‑groove with ribbed sides to grip the rope under load. With no moving parts, they’re lightweight, compact and ideal for dinghies, kayaks and small boats.

They offer excellent holding power for control lines, but are less easy to release under load than a cam cleat, which is why they’re popular where simplicity and low weight matter most.

Why Choose a Clam Cleat

• Compact and lightweight
• No moving parts to maintain
• Strong grip on small‑diameter ropes
• Ideal for vang, outhaul, cunningham and trapeze lines

Choosing the Right Style

• Mini / Junior / Midi — for different rope diameters and loads
• Side‑entry models — easier rope access
• Integral fairlead versions — guides the rope cleanly into the cleat
• Racing models — anodised finishes and smoother entry for fast trimming

Nylon vs Anodised Aluminium (AN) Clam Cleats

• Nylon Clam Cleats — lightweight, cost‑effective and completely corrosion‑proof. Ideal for light‑duty control lines on dinghies and small boats.
• AN (Anodised Aluminium) Clam Cleats — marine‑grade aluminium for high‑load, high‑wear use. Far more durable against abrasion from modern braided ropes and dyneemas. They are a go‑to choice for racing and performance setups.

Typical Rope Sizes

Most clam cleats are designed for 2–10mm rope depending on the model — check each product for exact sizing.