Energon chain

Just like in my Japanese comic books!

If a Transformer needs to restrain another one 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 at the Great Falls Megatron had a group of Autobots collected, wrapped up in energon chains and lined up for their executions. Before the Decepticons could fire at their helpless foes, backup arrived in the form of the Dinobots. With the Decepticons busy, Wheeljack made his way to his comrades. He used Sideswipe's flare gun to dry them off and Bluestreak's gun to re-energize them and this made the chains disappear... somehow. 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

2001 Robots in Disguise cartoon

Megatron should've just patented the design for this thing while he still had the chance.

When the Predacons had captured Side Burn, Dark Scream shot him with 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

Beast Era

Comics

After the Tripredacus Council blew up her ship with her onboard for failing a mission and becoming nothing but a liability to them, Descent into Evil Flamewar was presumably held by energon chains upon reactivating while under the questioning of Predacons disguised as Autobots with her constant struggling being nothing more than a fruitless attempt at breaking free. Intimidation Game

After falling into a Predacon ambush, a heavily-damaged Wing Saber was held captive in energon-based bindings by Steelgrave, who even disabled her combat abilities to prevent her from causing any more trouble; this did not stop her from using her wings to slash through her bonds anyway. The Razor's Edge

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.