Bolt from Rhode Island with former GI? (5)
I believe the answer is:
rivet
'bolt' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
'rhode island with former gi?' is the wordplay.
'rhode island' becomes 'RI' (US postal abbreviation).
'with' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'former gi?' becomes 'vet' (I've seen this in another clue).
'ri'+'vet'='RIVET'
'from' is the link.
(Other definitions for rivet that I've seen before include "fix" , "Pin for joining metal" , "Completely engross; pin" , "Fasten with metal pins - enthral" , "Heavy fastening pin with head and hammered end" .)