EDIT: updated links, sorry.

I have something similar to this skewer:



On these wheels:

https://www.wiggle.com/dt-swiss-r-1700-tricon-wheelset/

It's the type that tightens by cranking the lever clockwise. It doesn't flip open or close like a normal skewer. Terrible design.

The plastic internal ratchet for the front skewer broke (or maybe rounded off), so the lever would just spin freely without loosening. I have no idea how to get my front wheel off my bike now. I don't want to ride it because I'll be stuck if I blow my front tube.

Does anyone have any idea how to remove this skewer? Thanks.

Easiest bet is to grab the nut end with a good pair of pliers and back it off. It should take a decent amount of torque until it breaks free.

If that fails, take a hacksaw and slice through the nut (and skewer) staying about 1/16" or so outside of the dropout. Once you're through the skewer the nut should pop off, so you don't actually have to saw the nut all the way through.

And if Francis's suggestions don't work but you've got a partially cut off nut then try drilling out the skewer (in the center of the nut) or grinding the remains of the nut off. Then get yourself a proper inclosed cam skewer. Andy.

Thanks! I'll try that.

The skewer the OP linked to is a "through bolt" type, not a standard qr skewer like we are used to. I don't know if an enclosed cam design is even available in this type.

Sorry, I updated the links. It took me a while to find the right one online. It's not the "through bolt" type I incorrectly linked.

Are these your skewers? How long have you had them. I have the same type that came
standard on my 2013 Scott CR1 Pro. I kinda like them, no problems in about 6 months
of use.

Mine is not the exact same. Mine has a metal red cap on the lever side that has a torx screw holding it against the plastic lever.

Still you are describing a non-quick release skewer. You tighten the nut on the bolt all the way and employ no cam action. That is the point.

You're splitting hairs. I don't know that a quick release system has any specific definition calling for a cam. In any case, this is still a single sided, floating skewer based system, that serves to remove or secure wheels quickly.

Following the logic of the duck test, this would be a quick release.

For the first time, ever, I disagree with FB. By that measure, a Platypus is a Duck (it has some duck-like features.)

In operation, this is actually much closer to those "theft-proof" devices that can be substituted for a quick-release. The only difference is that it doesn't (normally) require a tool to remove.

Given that this setup is now incapable of being released non-destructively (hence the OP's problem), I would debate the use of the term "quick release" as applied here. :-p

However, chain-yanking aside, it appears that you may be able to unscrew this from the adjusting nut end with a pair of pliers, but you may gouge up the face of the drop-out. If the lever end is plastic, I might be tempted to clamp the lever at the bolt w a pair of vice-grips.

If the picture posted is the actual item, it's a DT Swiss RWS "through-bolt" and is supposed to provide additional clamping force to retain a disc-brake wheel against the braking forces pushing the wheel down out of the drop-outs.