Model number and serial number of your mower would be nice to have so we could help you better.

Now having said that, you could drill a small hole in the rod, the put your cable on, then a washer, then a cotter pin in the hole that you drilled to hold everything in place.

A small hat nut?

Sounds like that's what it should be but I don't see it in the parts list for the 20383 model.

I'm would never be able to drill a hole that tiny through metal with a flimsy drill bit. There's gotta be a missing part and a hat nut seems like the only reasonable choice. I'm going to take a look at HD mowers tomorrow. They don't carry Super Recyclers, only plain Recyclers but there is a model 20333 that has the Spin Stop feature so I may find my answer there.

There should be what Toro calls a speed nut part number 3290-337 also called a pal nut, hat nut, axle nut

No dice. Where did you find that part number?

I'm a long time dealer I found it in the IPL "parts breakdown" for your model. Go to the Toro parts search page & search for your model.

I think I figured out why I couldn't find the part in the catalog. The correct number is 3290-337 not 3290-773. But it does sound like the missing part! Question is how do I get this replacement part at no cost since the drive to the dealer is about an hour for me.

Just called the dealer and they told me I would have to take the mower there in order for them to put it on. A bit overkill, wouldn't you say? I emailed Toro in an attempt to have them mail order it on their dime.... we'll see what happens. Worst case scenario I have to order the part and pay the shipping. I assume this speed nut is just something that gets lightly tapped onto the shaft with a hammer.