Breakaway torque (also called rotational torque) is the force needed to make the ball inside a rod end start rotating within its housing. It’s a factory-set property of the joint, controlled by preload, material, and lubrication — not something applied with a wrench. Most rod ends are classified into three practical grades: F1 (6–24 in-lb, cannot be turned by hand), F2 (2–6 in-lb, turns by hand with resistance), and F3 (0–1 in-lb, turns freely).
This is a different specification from jam nut installation torque, which is the tightening torque applied to lock the rod end’s length.
See the full guide: Rod End & Heim Joint Torque Specs: Complete Guide