A large roll of braided 100 pound test black nylon can be purchased sporting good stores and shoe repair shops. it is approximately 1/16" thick.

    File some small grooves  in the two steel rods to be joined to accept the braided nylon and keep it from moving. 
Wrap two layers of the braided nylon exactly as you would if using wire prior to soldering. 

     Using  a medium viscosity CA "cyanoacrylate"  flood the braided nylon and joined parts. 

Once completed you can cover the joint with Coverite, shrink tubing or just paint the joint. The end result should be a very neat job and a strong joint.