A paddle lead insertion tool includes an insertion tool body having a delivery end portion, a delivery end portion, and a slider slit a slider partially disposed within the slider slit extenders coupled to the slider and extending to the delivery end portion to receive a paddle body between or upon the extenders and a center push piece coupled to the slider and disposed between the extenders to push against a proximal end of the paddle body. The slider moves between an insertion position and a delivery position. The insertion tool extends the extenders and center push piece when the slider moves from the insertion position to the delivery position to extend a paddle body received by the insertion tool. The insertion tool retracts the extenders without retracting the center push piece when the slider moves from the delivery position towards the insertion position.
