Flag Pole Cleat:

A cleat is a device used to temporarily secure a line. When valuable equipment such as boat is being tied off, a commercially made cleat should be used. However, when a rustic appearance is desired a temporary cleat can be made with rope and wood.

Green Stick Cleat:

[Step 1] Round lash a piece of flexible green wood or a naturally curved piece of wood to the flag pole to make the horns of the cleat.

[Step 2] Tighten the round lashing by driving a small wedge on either side of the cleat.

[Step 3] Use frapping turns to raise the horns of the cleat.

Dry Wood Cleat:

Suggestion 1 ----

If only dry wood is available a cleat can be made as shown in the following diagrams:

[Step 1] Round lash a stick of suitable size to the flag pole to make the horns of the cleat.

[Step 2] Raise the horns by forcing short risers under each horn.

[Step 3] If needed tighten the round lashing by driving a small wedge on either side of the cleat.

Suggestion 2 ----

Preshape the cleat from a piece of limb wood .

[Step 1] Split a 3 inch diameter by 8 inch piece of limb wood in half.

[Step 2] Use an ax and knife to shape the horns on either end of split piece of wood.

[Step 3] Round lash the cleat to the flag pole.

[Step 4] Tighten the round lashing by driving a small wedge on either side of the cleat.

Precut Cleats:

A cleat can be made from hard wood lumber by sawing it to the desired shape and then round lashed to the flag pole. Small wedges are used on either side of the cleat to tighten the round lashing and to stabilize the cleat.

Making Wedges:

[Step 1] Cut to size. Length --- slightly longer than the width of the round lashing. Diameter --- slightly larger than the gap formed between the rope, the flag pole, and the cleat.

[Step 2] Cut one end off at an angle.

[Step 3] Taper the sides of the point so that the point of the wedge is on one side.