Buying a Used Glovebox: What to Look For

A used glovebox costs a fraction of the price of a new unit. Whether it actually works as well depends on how it was reconditioned. And that’s exactly where providers differ.

This guide explains what you should look for when buying and how we refurbish our systems.

ML-Resale and KeT Boxsysteme: Who Does What?

You’re buying from ML-Resale. I’m your point of contact for selection, consultation, and the quote. Our partner, KeT Boxsysteme, handles the technical side: refurbishment, decontamination, delivery, and on-site commissioning. You have a single point of contact but still benefit from the expertise of a specialized technical service provider.

What to Look For: Checklist

  • Refurbishment & Decontamination: Is the box professionally cleaned, or is it sold “as is”? This makes the biggest difference in price over the long term. With poorly refurbished boxes, you’ll end up paying the difference in operating costs later on. Many providers do not include proper refurbishment in their price.
  • Tightness / Leaks: Was a pressure test performed?
  • Gas Purification (Filters & Catalytic Converter): Are the molecular sieve and copper catalytic converter present, and in what condition?
  • Gloves, Seals, Valves: Have the wear parts been replaced, or are the old ones still in use?
  • Airlocks & Piping: Have they been cleaned and flushed, or are they possibly still contaminated?
  • Documentation & History: Is there documentation for the system?
  • Ongoing costs: Filter media, gloves, and gaskets can quickly become expensive if the boxes are not properly maintained.
  • Delivery & Commissioning: Is this included, or are you on your own with the system?

Here’s how we refurbish gloveboxes

Every system is refurbished and decontaminated by KeT Boxsysteme before it goes on sale. That’s why follow-up costs are low: Everything that leaves our facility is ready for use.

Decontamination

For heavily contaminated boxes, decontamination is a multi-step process:

  1. Sanding down surfaces.
  2. DNA/RNA cleaning.
  3. UV-C decontamination.
  4. Cleaning with isopropanol.

Afterward, the interior surfaces of the boxes and the airlocks are as clean as in a brand-new system.

Piping, filters, and wear parts

  • Piping: Is flushed and cleaned; replaced if necessary.
  • Filters: Used filters are disposed of. You can fill the filters yourself or have us fill them (molecular sieve + copper catalyst).
  • Gaskets: Cleaned or replaced depending on their condition.
  • Valves: Inspected and replaced where necessary.
  • HEPA filters: New.

Tests

All functions are tested, and a pressure test is performed. A final leak test is only possible after the first regeneration at the customer’s site and is therefore not included in this offer. However, following refurbishment by KeT, we expect it to pass.

Why Choose a Refurbished Glovebox?

The price is well below that of new equipment. Because the refurbishment is thorough, operating costs also remain low. The gloveboxes are tested, ready for operation, and often available for immediate delivery. Plus: You don’t have to worry about logistics and commissioning—we’ll take care of that.

As a bonus, a functioning unit remains in service instead of being scrapped. That’s a win-win.

You can find an overview of currently available units in our listings. Don’t see anything suitable right now? Submit a search request, and we’ll contact you as soon as a suitable box comes in.