Binding Link

Binding link used by Meg on Sam.

Binding links are symbols that can keep a demons, or any other possessing entity trapped inside its meatsuit i.e. the human it is possessing, and in the case of demons they can neither escape voluntarily or be exorcised. Binding sigils can be etched on to various types of restraints, where they work in the same way as having been carved into the flesh. Certain binding sigils, like the ones etched on the handcuffs Sam and Dean discovered in the Men of Letters Bunker, also appear to weaken the powers of the prisoners they place into them. Binding links may also be related to the "binding magic" used on curse boxes to keep the evil inside.

Episodes

2.14 Born Under a Bad Sign

When Meg possesses Sam she brands a binding link into his forearm. When Bobby tries to exorcise her, it doesn't work. Bobby realizes the brand is keeping the demon trapped inside Sam, and burns across the mark with a hot poker, breaking the spell.

Crowley carving a binding link into Brady's chest.

4.10 Heaven and Hell

When Ruby attempts to make a deal with Alastair to let the Winchesters live in exchange for Anna Milton, Alastair instead captures her and while torturing her has restrained with leather straps with binding magic etched into them.

5.20 The Devil You Know

Crowley carves a symbol into Brady's chest while they try and convince him to help them.

Crowley: This bit of carving will tie our friend here down. No zapping off, locked in the meatsuit. An important part of our bargaining strategy.

Meg strapped down with binding magic.

6.10 Caged Heat

Meg tries to leave her host, but Crowley has worked some form of binding magic to prevent demons inside his monster prison from leaving their bodies. Later when Meg is captured by Christian Campbell, she is placed on a torture table, restrained with leather straps that have binding magic etched into them.

8.22 Clip Show

While going through old Men of Letters records, trying to figure out a way to cure a demon for the third trial. Sam finds a film reel, which showed a demon chained up in shackles with various binding sigils etched into them, go through a failed exorcism in an attempt to cure the demon.

Handcuffs with binding sigils etched into them.

8.23 Sacrifice

Sam and Dean use a pair handcuffs that have been etched with various sigils to keep Crowley from smoking out of his meatsuit or teleporting away.

9.02 Devil May Care

Crowley is shown in the Bunker's dungeon to still be bound using the binding linked handcuffs, as well as other restraints with spell work etched into them.

9.03 I'm No Angel

Sam and Dean use the binding handcuffs on the rogue reaper Maurice, as a means to keep him tethered to the Earthly plane, and extract information from him.

9.04 Slumber Party

Crowley is once again shown to be locked up the Bunker's dungeon when he meets the Wicked Witch of the West, who is unable to free him from his restraints, as the dungeon is warded against all supernatural beings.

9.06 Heaven Can't Wait

Crowley is still locked-up in the dungeon, wearing the handcuffs.

9.10 Road Trip

Crowley is freed from the Men of Letters dungeon, to help expel Gadreel from Sam's body, but only on the condition he needs to wear the binding handcuffs. Crowley also wears a collar that apparently serves the same purpose as he can't leave his meatsuit with it on.

9.14 Captives

Sam and Dean use the binding handcuffs to hold Del after capturing him.

9.16 Blade Runners

After finding Crowley addicted to human blood, Sam and Dean slap the binding handcuffs on him to force him to detox.

9.18 Meta Fiction

The binding handcuffs are used on Gadreel, when he is captured by Sam and Dean.

9.22 Stairway to Heaven

When Dean confronts the reaper Tessa, and realizes she has carved an Enochian rune in her chest, and plans to "blow her self up." He is able to place the binding handcuffs on her before a fight can ensue between the two.

9.23 Do You Believe in Miracles?

After Castiel has destroyed the angel tablet, Metatron appears in his office and places handcuffs etched with binding sigils on Cas, restraining him in a chair.

10.01 Black

Dar is shown to be bound with the binding handcuff as Sam is torturing her for information.

10.02 Reichenbach

Sam is able to subdue Dean after his fight with Cole, and place him in the binding handcuffs.

10.03 Soul Survivor

Dean is still in the handcuffs when Sam places him in the devil's trap in the Bunker's dungeon. Dean is later able to slip out of the handcuffs.