Restraining bolt

Restraining bolts are small devices that can be used on Transformers to limit their ability to move. They can even force a Transformer to switch to their alternate mode and render them completely immobile.

Fiction

2021 IDW Beast Wars comic

During a ceasefire between the Maximals and Predacons, Optimus Primal allowed Blackarachnia, Skold, and Waspinator onto the Axalon so long as they were fitted with restraining bolts. If the Predacons weren't in the presence of a fully online Maximal, the bolts would automatically overload their systems and shut them down. The Beginning of the End

EarthSpark cartoon

Bumblebee brought a number of restraining bolts with him when he went to aid Optimus Prime and Megatron in their fight against Frenzy, Laserbeak and Ravage. They were successfully used to capture the three Decepticons, despite Megatron's objections. The bolts didn't prevent Laserbeak from sending a signal to Soundwave, who ambushed the convoy and used a pulse to disable the restraining bolts. During the ensuing battle, Bumblebee again captured the three cassettes with restraining bolts, however Optimus, having listened to Megatron's misgivings, allowed the Decepticon leader to remove the bolts and let the Cons go. Decoy While fighting Swindle, Optimus slapped a restraining bolt on the Con, forcing him to revert to vehicle mode. Disarmed

Notes

• In both function and appearance, restraining bolts are based on the the identically-named devices from Star Wars.