How to slide cleats?

My husband and I just bought a new 14 Prerunner. Been looking all over the internet for bed rail cleat info. I saw the "I must be stupid" thread. I found a video on how to install a cleat. BUT how do you slide them? I loosen it but can't move it. None of the instructions I've found make sense. They're all for putting them on. Are you suppose to take it completely off to move it? Or aren't they suppose to slide? Are you suppose to be able to turn the whole cleat 90 degrees? I don't want to take them off or break them. What's the trick?

 

Make sure the knob is loose, then push the knob inwards (down) and it will slide.

 

As you slide them you'll "feel" a notch ... good locking point ... (check owner's manual).

 

I find it easiest to loosen the knob a lot, push it in (away from the center of the bed), rotate it 90 degrees, then slide it to where you want it. Find the closest notch, rotate back to horizontal, and tighten.

If you disassemble the knob and look at the structure it makes sense how they lock in and rotate. Basically there is a piece of rectangular flat steel on the back side that engages the track on the back, and there are plastic ribs on the back of the cleat that engage the front of the track. You need to manipulate the cleat and knob assembly so that both these locking devices clear their respective engagement points.

 

Thanks for all the help. I finally got one to slide. Man you sure have to loosen it A LOT first. I was getting frustrated. Had to keep going and going. Will it come apart if you unscrew it too much?

 

No, the curvature of the inside of the "loop" part retains the knob.

 

turning them 90 degrees allows u to pull them off/on without sliding them all the way to the end of the rail opening. Its perfectly fine.

Dont feel bad..............

I have shown the trick to a member on here whos very well known as the guru with many many posts, many many tutorials, and TONS of advise.