Boat Dock Cleats Built for Secure, Easy Mooring

A dock cleat is the tie-off point that holds your boat against the dock, so the cleat you pick has a direct effect on safety every time you head out on the water. Tommy Docks builds boat dock cleats that install fast, grip a dock line securely, and stand up to lake life season after season.

Every cleat in this collection is made for real use on the water, from tying up a pontoon to securing a kayak or a small boat. Choose the style that fits your dock and your routine, then add it to your dock system in minutes.

Our Dock Cleats

Folding (Flip-Up) Dock Cleats

Our 6 inch folding cleats lie flat when not in use, which keeps the dock surface clear and lowers trip hazards. The black and white Folding Dock Cleat measures 6.5 x 10 x 1.5 inches, pairs UV-stabilized nylon with a stainless steel hinge pin, and folds down to 1-1/4 inches. The 6 inch Compact Folding Dock Cleat is a low profile flip-up style cleat at 2.75 x 6.25 x 0.85 inches, a practical solution for boats, jet skis, and kayaks.

6 inch Nylon Dock Cleat 4-Pack

A standard-style dock cleat with an open base and a wide footing for stable mooring. Single-step formed from black nylon and measuring 6 x 1-3/16 x 3/4 inches, this nylon cleat ships as a set of four and mounts with M6 flat head stainless steel screws (sold separately).

Choosing and Installing Your Cleats

Match the cleat to how you use the dock. A flip-up style cleat keeps a low profile on a busy boat dock walkway, while the standard nylon cleat gives you a fixed tie-off point for everyday mooring. These boat cleats resist rust and hold up in the freshwater and saltwater marine environments a dock faces through the year. That corrosion resistance is what gives nylon its long-lasting performance over bare metal in harsh marine environments.

The installation process is straightforward. Each cleat is surface-mountable on common dock boards and decking, with mounting holes sized for standard fasteners. The folding cleat uses 1/4 inch holes, and you select fasteners, such as screws or bolts, to match your dock material. If you have a Tommy Docks aluminum frame purchased after April 2023, the Black Cleat Kit with Track Mount attaches with no drilling. Need help choosing? Contact our team or check the FAQ.

Why Tommy Docks

Since 1987, Tommy Docks has built American-made dock systems and accessories that you can install yourself. Our cleats carry the same focus on strength, safety, and superior durability you will find across our dock hardware, and we publish clear, upfront pricing so you know the cost before you buy.

Questions about fit or returns? Our return and warranty policy lays out the details, and our support team is glad to help. For heavy duty dock hardware beyond cleats, browse our Heavy Duty collection. Browse the full Tommy Docks lineup to round out your dock with ladders, bumpers, and other equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size dock cleat do I need?

For most lake docks, a 6 inch cleat handles a dock line for pontoons, fishing boats, and smaller boats. Match the cleat to your dock line diameter and the size of your boat.

Are these cleats rust-free?

These cleats resist corrosion and rust, and the folding cleat's stainless steel hinge pin holds up better than bare metal in marine conditions.

Do the cleats come with fasteners?

Mounting hardware is sold separately so you can match the fasteners to your dock boards. The nylon 4-pack pairs with M6 flat head screws.

Can I mount a cleat without drilling?

Yes. On a Tommy Docks aluminum frame bought after April 2023, the Black Cleat Kit with Track Mount installs without drilling. It is not compatible with FLEXX floating docks.

How do folding cleats improve safety?

A flip-up style cleat folds flat when not in use, which clears the walkway and lowers trip hazards for everyone on the dock

How many cleats should I put on my dock?

It depends on your dock layout and how many boats you tie up. A common setup places a cleat near each corner and one or two along any side used for mooring, so you can secure a dock line at the bow and stern. Add more as you add boats, jet skis, or kayaks.