Methods and devices are provided for measuring and/or controlling an amount of force applied to an implant or other element. In certain exemplary embodiments, an implant inserter tool is provided that includes a shaft having a proximal end that is adapted to receive a force and a distal end that is adapted to contact an implant. The inserter tool also include a force controlling element coupled to the shaft. In use, the distal end of the tool can be placed in contact with an implant or other element, and a force can be applied to the proximal end of the tool to drive the implant or other element into bone. The force controlling element can measure the amount of force applied to the inserter tool, thereby measuring the force applied to the implant or other element.