The speedo cable on my K3 pooped the bed. Someone besides myself stripped the screw head holding the cable in at the wheel, and I didn't want to ride it without the speedo working. (I rode my F4 instead) I figured I could weld a nut on it and back it out that way, as I had done that plenty of times before. The only problem was, I don't have a mig machine. I have a stick welder. I didn't think I could put a good bead on it with such a small nut. I did have an idea, though, something I'd seen someone else do for a similar issue. I used the smallest rod I had, 1/16 (1.5mm) and turned the buzz box down to ~55 amps.
First, I welded on a washer. This was no problem. I had plenty of room to work the rod. Second, after the slag was cleared, I welded on a nut. I welded two places outside and let it cool. Not until it was completely cool, but until the redness was gone. A careful turn of the wrench and it was out.
The miracle part is that when I went to my local bike shop to order a new cable, they had one in stock! On the way home I stopped and bought a new stainless screw to hold it in.
