Ransack headquarters for Spooner's fastening device (8)
I believe the answer is:
bootlace
'device' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?
I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for bootlace that I've seen before include "Fastening for footwear" , "Footwear tie" , "Shoe tie" , "Footwear cord" , "Shoe fastener" .)