A method and apparatus for sealing a puncture or incision formed percutaneously in a tissue. The apparatus including an anchor, a sealing plug, a filament secured to the sealing plug and the anchor, a compaction member assembly, a spool, a driving plate, and a follower. The compaction member assembly is disposed adjacent the sealing plug and structured and arranged to apply an axially directed compressive force to automatically compact the sealing plug toward the anchor. The spool has a portion of the filament wound thereon. The driving plate is connected to the spool and arranged to contact and apply a force to a proximal end of the compaction member assembly upon rotation of the driving plate to advance the compaction member assembly. The follower is operable between the spool and driving plate to releasably connect the spool and driving plate to provide a clutch action.
