A rivet collating system is provided that includes a rivet holder for supporting rivets in a predetermined pattern. In one form, the rivet holder includes a unitary plate in which apertures are configured for supporting the rivets depending therefrom. In another form, the collating system includes a plate body and drive heads that are integrally connected via frangible portions to the plate body. Preferably, retaining webs are provided about the apertures to releasably hold the rivet heads therein. The drive heads are driven downward to sever the frangible portions with the webs flexing to release the rivet heads so that the rivets can be received in bores of a guide block of a belt fastener installation tool. A method of manufacture of the rivet holders is also disclosed.