A traditional bicycle quick-release lever closes through a cam action. It is not meant to be tightened simply by spinning the lever like a wing nut. Confusing those actions can leave a wheel insecure even when the lever looks neatly positioned.
Park Tool’s wheel installation guide explains the relationship between wheel seating, the adjusting nut and lever closure. Read the bicycle and wheel manufacturer’s instructions as well: through-axles and other retention systems use different procedures.
Identify the system before touching it
Look at the hardware and find the matching instructions. A lever on an axle does not by itself prove that it is the traditional quick-release type. If the mechanism is unfamiliar, ask a competent mechanic to demonstrate it rather than experimenting before a ride.
For a traditional quick release, the wheel must be correctly seated before the adjustment and closing action are completed. The lever’s travel and resistance matter; a lever that swings shut without appropriate resistance is not reassuring merely because it says “closed.” Avoid applying a universal force value from an unrelated model.
Check the whole installation
After following the manual, verify that the wheel is secure and correctly positioned. Check brake operation and that the wheel turns as expected. A wheel removal may also involve reconnecting or checking parts of the braking system, depending on the bicycle.
Keep fingers clear of moving spokes and rotors during checks. If the wheel shifts, the lever will not close as instructed or something rubs unexpectedly, stop and resolve the problem before riding.
The useful habit is not to memorise the appearance of someone else’s lever. It is to recognise your retention system, follow its procedure and repeat the final checks whenever the wheel has been removed or disturbed.