A delivery tool is provided for use in implanting a paddle lead including a paddle electrode array disposed at a distal end of a paddle lead body. The delivery tool has a proximal tool end and a distal tool end opposite the proximal end and a tool body extending therebetween. The tool body is adapted to receive a portion of the paddle lead body and includes a longitudinal member extending along the tool body and a plurality of structural members extending from the longitudinal member. The structural members are distributed along the longitudinal member such that gaps are defined between longitudinally adjacent structural members. The tool body is structured to have increased resistance to bending in a first direction and reduced resistance to bending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.