Rod ends, consisting of an eye-shaped head with an integral shank housing a spherical plain bearing, are used in linkage applications requiring significant misalignment support, notably in automotive, aerospace, and various industrial machinery. These joints allow rotational freedom while maintaining a fixed contact point and come in both male and female configurations, accommodating high-precision needs in systems like robotic arms and automobile steering linkages.

Also known as a Heim joint, 90-degree rod ends allow a bolt or rod to have a certain amount of misalignment. These are commonly found on control rods, steering links, tie rods, and other places where precision articulation is needed.