Difference between PVC Primer and PVC Cleaner?

[TurboSuper]

They do sell clear primer seperate from the cleaner. I know, because that's practically all you can get here. It's really just a matter of what you're comfortable with, I guess. Some people would call me crazy for using DWV.

[starman]

They do sell clear primer seperate from the cleaner. I know, because that's practically all you can get here. It's really just a matter of what you're comfortable with, I guess. Some people would call me crazy for using DWV.

Yeah it's just hard to find here in the US. Oatey makes a product called "clear primer" but apparently markets it only in other countries.

[socoj2]

What i dont understand is on the label Oatey clearly says the cleaner contains

MEK
Tetrahydrofuran
Cyclohexanone
Acetone

THeir MSDS only says MEK and Acetone.

[ralphd]

I know this is vague but it's on the Oatey website. I emailed them about the differences between primer and cleaner, hopefully they will give a detailed answer.

http://www.oatey.com/Plumber/FAQ.html

[jimmy101]

I'm just asking you to try it on some joints...real cannon or scrap parts. Feel the softening action and how the cement responds. You've done a heck of a lot of PVC cementing yourself, you know what I'm talking about.

The purpose is no purple. Why deal with it if you don't have to? And it is worth it, to me at least, same strong bonds...why not? We are still talking about PVC cement here doing the actual glueing work...not a generational shift down to Elmer's wood glue or anything.

I'm not here to call anyone down for using the purple stuff. I understand a guy's desire to go by the book on this and I respect that. But this not unsafe or stupid advice and as far as I'm concerned at least, is a proven alternative.

No, the difference between cleaner and primer is not just the purple die. You can buy primer without dye, it is still primer and not cleaner.

From the Oatey site (link)
1. What is the difference between pipe cleaner, primer / cleaner and primer?
All pipe surfaces should be thoroughly cleaned with pipe cleaner. The cleaner is formulated to remove surface dirt and any oil or grease that exists on the pipe from the manufacturing process. Primer/cleaner and primer contain more aggressive solvents and will soften the pipe surface to allow the solvent cement to penetrate more effectively. Primer is often required by plumbing code and sometimes a purple colored primer (purple primer) is needed.

Starman my have had no problems using cleaner in place of primer, just as some folks have had no problems omitting both cleaner and primer. That does not mean it is the best way to glue a joint. Starman may be correct, cleaner may well be as good as primer, but I think I'll go with what US building codes and the manufacturers say as the best way to make a pressure rated joint.

[starman]

Starman my have had no problems using cleaner in place of primer, just as some folks have had no problems omitting both cleaner and primer. That does not mean it is the best way to glue a joint. Starman may be correct, cleaner may well be as good as primer, but I think I'll go with what US building codes and the manufacturers say as the best way to make a pressure rated joint.

This issue isn't a hill on which I plan on dying Jimmy. I greatly respect your background and by-the-book position on this. I've stated my real world findings and stand by them. Anyone else is welcome to experiment and corroborate the finding if so desired...or ignore it all together. Either way is OK with me.