A surgical tool is used to facilitate the implantation of elements of an electrical stimulation system within a human body, and more particularly facilitates surgical procedures followed to connect an electrode lead extension between an Implantable Pulse Generator (IPG) and an electrode lead, when the IPG and the electrode lead may not be co-located. In one exemplary embodiment, a removable carrier cover defines an end tunneler portion to facilitate tunneling and a carrier is provided for receiving and holding a portion of a lead, such as a lead connector. Once the tunnel is formed, the removable carrier cover is removed to expose the carrier. The carrier is adapted to carry one or more leads back through the tunnel. In some embodiments of the invention, the tool provides rotational locking and unlocking of the handle relative to the carrier and/or tunneling means.
