Abstract: For rapidly restraining and releasing a flexible line, a cleat device including a base; a plurality of at least three jam cleats mounted on said base in juxtaposition with adjacent open ends facing in opposite directions; and at least one pair of hooks, one each on the base adjacent and outside the first and last jam cleats. The jam cleats each include an upper face and a lower face converging to form a first acute angle. In a preferred embodiment, at least one face of each jam cleat includes a longitudinally extending ridge thereon.