Fisheye Rod End Bearings (often simply called Rod Ends or Heim Joints) are mechanical articulating joint components. Their name comes from the distinctive, spherical "eye" shape at one end. The core of the bearing is a spherical plain bearing (a ball with an inner spherical surface) housed within the eye-shaped body. This design allows for multi-directional articulation, meaning it can accommodate significant static misalignment by swiveling and tilting within a certain angle. The bearing is typically pre-lubricated and may feature a PTFE (Teflon) liner on the spherical surface for low friction and maintenance-free operation. The other end of the bearing is a threaded shank (male or female), allowing for adjustable length connection to rods, linkages, or control cables. They are essential for transmitting motion and force in linkages where misalignment, vibration, or oscillation is present.
