Issue #926 Tue 15 Sep
NYT Strands Hints & Answer — September 15, 2026
Today's grid is a straightforward affair for anyone who keeps a well-stocked workbench. Expect a tidy, methodical path through the clutter.
Theme 3 reveals
Today's theme
A heavy cardboard box sitting in the garage, rattling with the weight of cold metal bits.
Home improvement and construction supplies
ITEMS USED FOR FASTENING AND STRUCTURAL SUPPORT
Spangram 4 hints · 8 letters
The connector word
Single compound word
8 letters.
Starts with H, ends with E.
HARDWARE
Group hint 1 reveal
Show all starting letters
Starting letters
- 1 A (6 letters)
- 2 B (4 letters)
- 3 B (7 letters)
- 4 H (5 letters)
- 5 J (5 letters)
- 6 K (4 letters)
- 7 N (4 letters)
- 8 S (5 letters)
Group hint 1 reveal
Show the first two letters of each
First two letters
- 1 AN (6 letters)
- 2 BO (4 letters)
- 3 BR (7 letters)
- 4 HI (5 letters)
- 5 JO (5 letters)
- 6 KN (4 letters)
- 7 NA (4 letters)
- 8 SC (5 letters)
Theme word 1 of 8 5 hints · 6 letters
A theme word
A heavy metal piece dropped into the bay to hold a boat steady against the tide.
6 letters.
Starts with A.
Starts with AN.
ANCHOR
Theme word 2 of 8 5 hints · 4 letters
A theme word
A thick, threaded rod secured with a matching nut to lock two beams together.
4 letters.
Starts with B.
Starts with BO.
BOLT
Theme word 3 of 8 5 hints · 7 letters
A theme word
An L-shaped piece of metal used to keep a shelf flush against the wall.
7 letters.
Starts with B.
Starts with BR.
BRACKET
Theme word 4 of 8 5 hints · 5 letters
A theme word
A pivot point allowing a door to swing open or closed with ease.
5 letters.
Starts with H.
Starts with HI.
HINGE
Theme word 5 of 8 5 hints · 5 letters
A theme word
A long, parallel beam supporting the floorboards underneath your feet.
5 letters.
Starts with J.
Starts with JO.
JOIST
Theme word 6 of 8 5 hints · 4 letters
A theme word
A rounded handle you turn to release a latch and enter a room.
4 letters.
Starts with K.
Starts with KN.
KNOB
Theme word 7 of 8 5 hints · 4 letters
A theme word
A thin, sharp sliver of metal driven into wood to hold a frame together.
4 letters.
Starts with N.
Starts with NA.
NAIL
Theme word 8 of 8 5 hints · 5 letters
A theme word
A spiraled fastener you twist into place to pull two surfaces tight.
5 letters.
Starts with S.
Starts with SC.
SCREW
Spoiler zone
Complete Strands answer
Open only the solution you want to see. Each answer stays hidden until you choose to reveal it.
Reveal the spangram
Reveal all theme words
- ANCHOR
- BOLT
- BRACKET
- HINGE
- JOIST
- KNOB
- NAIL
- SCREW
Verified solution for .
Frequently asked questions
Spoiler-free help for Strands on September 15, 2026. Every answer below helps you along without giving the game away — ready to see the full solution? See the complete Strands answer for September 15, 2026, or browse every Strands puzzle in the archive.
How hard is NYT Strands on September 15, 2026?
NYT Strands on September 15, 2026 rates 3 out of 4 — a tougher-than-average puzzle. There are 8 theme words to find, plus the spangram that ties them together.
Where does the September 15, 2026 Strands spangram start?
The spangram is 8 letters long and stretches right across the board. It begins with the letter "H" — the hints above ease you toward the rest one step at a time, without spelling it out.
What is the theme of NYT Strands on September 15, 2026?
We keep the theme under wraps here so nothing is spoiled — but the ladder above walks you into it, starting with the puzzle's overall vibe. Want it stated outright, with the spangram and all 8 words? Open the answer section on this page.
Today
- Difficulty
- Stiff
- At a glance
- 8 theme words · 8-letter spangram
Today on Cluestand
Today
- Difficulty
- Stiff
- At a glance
- 8 theme words · 8-letter spangram