This invention relates to a cleat (sometimes referred to as a "rail fastening clip") utilized for the purpose of positioning and retaining a rail to a sleeper (sometimes referred to as a "tie"). In this invention a rail cleat comprises a spring plate having a configuration such that when retained at an intermediate locality, a rail-bearing end bears against the upper surface of the foot of the rail while a tail bears against a sleeper or a bearing pad thereon, an upstanding loop standing upwardly from a sleeper, and a locking pin passing through the loop and bearing against the intermediate locality of the cleat so as to urge the cleat downwardly against the foot of the rail.