Nicely done is it removable.
Used to p me off even with a spanner by the side. Needless to say scrapped my old ML7 15 yrs ago but was the best thing ever did. Last lathe I scrapped 5 year ago done similar now use on rear tool post. Its easier to drill and tap round to suit the thread, looks neater too with a screwed in bar.
Its also first thing I did on current lathe, along with replacement similar handles for tail stock locking, screwcut, cross and carriage. You'l wonder why you never did this ages ago.