Abstract: A belt fastener installation tool is provided with a raised belt guiding surface for inserting the belt between upper and lower plates of a belt fastener held in the tool. The raised surface keeps interference with the lower plate during belt insertion between the fastener plates to a minimum. The raised surface can be formed on a separate riser plate member for being secured to an existing belt fastener installation tool; the raised surface can be formed as an integral, one-piece member in combination with the anvil plate of the tool; and the raised surface can be formed integrally with an extruded base of the tool. Gripping structure is also optionally included on the raised surface, such as on the portion thereof under the clamp bar to provide enhanced gripping of the clamped conveyor belt.