No clue how you did that, but, check the threads inside the ball:



"It was while I was rotating that I noticed the problem because it just didnt feel right, like something was binding"



Depending on which way you turned the mast, (tightening the ball or loosening it) you might possibly have damaged your threads. Having the ball pop off is such an awful thing, particularly if your crew is underneath, it's worth checking.



Ed Norris