An arthroscopic tenodesis kit, includes a guide including an elongate member having a length with a distal portion having one or more spring arms configured to open toward a free end of the distal portion of the guide to directly and releasably engage a tendon. The kit also includes an inserter having an elongate cannulated body having an interior bore having a blind end and an open end configured to slidingly receive the guide. The body of the inserter has a length that is shorter than the length of the guide, so that the distal portion of the guide remains spaced from the bore when the guide is fully received within the bore.