An anchoring system used to anchor a ribbon spring to a guide track. A mounting slot is formed in the guide track that provides access to the internal gap space. A counterbalance spring is provided having an offset tab section proximate a free end. A barb flap is formed by bending a segment of the counterbalance spring from the offset tab section. The offset tab section with barb flap are extended into the gap space through the mounting slot. As the counterbalance spring is unwound, a bias is created that engages both the offset tab section and the barb flap within the gap space. This locks the free end of the counterbalance spring in place without the need of any mechanical fastener.