The embodiments provide a barb assembly for use with a cable duct component to oppose removal of a cable duct section from the cable duct component. The barb assembly can comprise a releasable assembly for applying a force to a barb and, responsive to the application of the force, for moving the barb and one or more barb arms from an unengaged position to an engaged position without the use of tools. The barb assembly and/or cable duct component can also comprise a spring bias, which can bias the releasable assembly to the unengaged position upon actuating the releasable assembly to the unengaged position. The embodiments also provide methods of installing cable duct components and systems with the above-described features.