Energon chain

If a Transformer needs to restrain another and more sophisticated means aren't available, they can always fall back on simply tying their enemy/opponent/victim up with energon chains. Energon chains are applied with the aid of a gun, which doubles as the chains' generator. If the gun is destroyed, so are the chains.

Fiction

The Transformers cartoon

How come Ironhide and Optimus are the only ones with their arms raised?

After defeating them in battle, Megatron had a group of Autobots collected, wrapped up in energon chains and lined up for their execution. But before the Decepticons could fire at their helpless foes, backup arrived. With the Decepticons busy, Wheeljack made his way to his comrades. He dried and re-energized them, and this somehow made the chains disappear. Don't ask. S.O.S. Dinobots

G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers

Though not specifically called such, Perceptor seemingly used energon chains to restrain Starscream. G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers II #1

Robots in Disguise cartoon

When the Predacons had captured Side Burn, Dark Scream shot him in energon chains. And when Optimus Prime came to rescue his soldier, he too was tied up. Megatron proceeded to beat up his enemy in preparation of killing him, but was prevented from doing so because Prowl destroyed the energon chain gun, thus freeing his commander and comrade. Sideburn's Obsession

Games

Transformers Legends

Energon Chains were one means by which Transformers could be trapped. Unlike Energon Nets, chains were able to restrain even the mightiest of warriors. Transformers Legends

Energon Chains are one of the mechanisms in Transformers Legends by which the player can obtain new cards. Though 100% effective, they're also an item the user has to pay for if they want more than the few complementary Energon Chains that can be obtained through various means.