A technique for joint repair employing a suture/button construct and an applicator designed to securely engage a button of the suture/button construct. The button of the suture/button construct securely engages the shaft of the applicator. The suture from the button may be wrapped around a securing device (for example, a rod or bolt) located on or within the handle. The applicator with the secured button is introduced into the tissue (for example, soft tissue or a bone tunnel) and the button is passed through the tissue.