Chainring rivit query

[jaybeex2]

Ive noticed on all chainrings ive looked at, several rivets around the very edge that dont appear to do anything, im sure they do, but does anyone know what they're for?

 

[CAMPYBOB]

They are there to snag the plates of the chain and assist lifting it onto the outer chainring.

 

[jpr95]

And some have one on the outside of the largest chainring down by the crotch of the crank and the ring to keep the chain from getting wedged in there if you happen to throw the chain.

(Oooh..hey...I could snip that off and save half a gram of weight!)