A nozzle heater assembly coupled to a hot runner nozzle includes a heater support made of at least two support segments spaced apart by a gap. A heater element secured to both support segments is configured to limit the gap between the two segments. The nozzle heater assembly to be coupled to a hot runner may also include in other applications a heater support formed of a single piece and configured as a hollow helical tube including at least two axial gaps. A heater element is secured to the helical tube, where the helical tube can be compressed or stretched axially to alter a clamping force generated when the helical tube and the heater are coupled to the hot runner nozzle.