Here is a photo of two lever balls.  The one on the right is made of desert ironwood.  The wood was turned by a friend because I did not have a wood lathe at the time.  The metal insert into the blind hole was made by Pete Mink and is all steel.  I fashion a brass piece that protects the lever from the rim of the steel insert that is epoxied into place in the wood.  

The other ball is one that I turned out of walnut for Paul.  It will eventually have a through bolt system that will use an aluminum pillar and a modified eyebolt to attach the ball to the lever.  

Both systems have advantages and disadvantages.  But you will not pry mine loose before my body is stone cold.  

Brent

Simple but effective. It would give some movement for adjustment depending on the lever. I Like it, can't blame you for not wanting to let it go! Thanks for putting up the pic.
Merwin