Now I
feel awesome too. Thanks
One of the easiest things to do is "open" the cleats and tighten down at least one side with a crosspoint screwdriver. I believe that the same screws which hold the cleat on the bar also adjust the tension of the cams.
Just open the pawls (toothed gears) and use the screwdriver. When you over-tighten them, the cams/pawls lock in position. A slight adjustment is all you need to return them to operation.
We have tried tiewraps, fishing line and other tricks to keep them open, but most objects interfere with the smooth movement of the ropes. I'd like to hear other suggestions.
I would imagine that a spare cleat would be handy for other uses, maybe for anchor lines or temporary bowlines, etc.