A disk clamping apparatus and method for securing a data storage disk to a spindle motor of a hard disk drive. The disk clamping apparatus includes a flange formed on an outer periphery of a hub of the spindle motor and a clamp. The clamp is provided with a central hollow portion to receive an upper end portion of the hub, and includes a hook for snapping onto the flange along an inner periphery thereof and a pressing portion contacted with an upper surface of the disk for pressing the disk in a vertical direction along an outer periphery thereof. When the clamp is being coupled to the hub, the clamp is deformed so that the hook snaps on the flange, resulting in the pressing portion pressing the disk in the vertical direction, using a resilient force produced from a deformation of the clamp. The clamp further includes a cap formed around the hook to cover the hub. With this arrangement, the disk is stably secured to the spindle motor using a resilience force of the clamp, without using screws to clamp the disk to the spindle motor.