The invention provides a fastening device for laparoscopic hernia repair. The coordinated operation of two insertion members stabilizes a fastener during closure and locking to ensure that the fastener is locked in the intended location before the device releases from the fastener. One of the insertion members includes a pair of prongs that exhibit a closed configuration when they are disposed in a recess at an end of the fastener. The fastener has a hook at one end and a loop at the other end. The insertion members push the fastener out from the device and through the tissue. A curvature in at least one of the insertion members pushes the hook through the loop all while the prongs are in the recess in the fastener thereby stabilizing the fastener with respect to the device.