An insertion instrument for inserting an implant in an intervertebral space is provided. The instrument includes an elongate shaft having proximate and distal ends with a longitudinal axis therebetween. On the distal end of the elongate shaft is a gripping device capable of shifting from a holding configuration for securing a portion of the implant relative the distal end and a releasing configuration to permit removal of the implant portion from the elongate shaft. The instrument also includes an actuating mechanism coupled between the gripping device and the handle that is operable to configure the gripping device in the holding configuration upon an initial actuation thereof and the releasing configuration upon a subsequent actuation thereof. An actuator may be resiliently coupled to the gripping device or other moveable components in order to limit the force applied by the actuator to a preset amount.
