Abstract: The subject of the invention is a sheet cleat, especially for sailboats, whose essential elements are movable gripping jaws which form a gripping gap between them, and whose surface parts cooperating with the sheet consist of rollers having a serration and having a rotation-symmetrical envelope surface. The rollers are freely rotatable about axes which are parallel to the plane of movement of the gripping jaws. The sheet is pressed into the gripping gap with rotation and spreading apart of the rollers, and there it is held fast positively and frictionally, but is easily releasable. In the direction of the tension on the sheet under the usual stress, a locking action takes place; in the opposite direction the sheet can be easily retightened. Reduction of wear and tear on the sheet is the additional effect. A plurality of roller pairs can also be present. An adjustable bearing surface and a likewise adjustable guiding means are provided for the sheet as possible accessory devices.