A cardiac stimulator lead is provided that includes a two-stage extendable/retractable fixation. A cardiac stimulator lead comprises a connector for connecting to a cardiac stimulator, a tubular insulating sleeve having a first end coupled to the connector and a second end, and an electrode coupled to the second end and having a longitudinal bore. An extendable/retractable corkscrew is positioned in the bore. In one aspect, the bore is configured so that the corkscrew will not extend fully unless tissue is present to engage the corkscrew.