Wossner forged pistons oil control ring with a wire?

[Bowser87]

Building up an engine at the moment with a set of forged wossner pistons. The waffle type oil control ring has a tiny wire in the middle of it, across the ring gap as if to prevent any overlap from happening.

There’s nothing in the ring gap instructions as to whether this should stay in situ or be removed during install.

Anyone able to shed any light, I’m assuming it stays put?

Photo below

[Boosted LS1]

It stays in situ.

[DVandrews]

It stays in place and prevents the expander from overlapping itself.

Dave

[Bowser87]

Thanks both.