Abstract: A device is disclosed for collecting a sample body, employable either in functional connection with a "handling" unit or as a manual boring rod. The device has a probe with a cylindrical tubular jacket at the head end of which is provided a manipulating means closing off the head end of the probe, which means may Be provided with an impact pad or a means of connection to the "handling" unit. The tubular jacket bounds a receiving space for the sample body or for a receptacle to accommodate the sample body, said receiving space opening into the passage of a tip arranged at the foot end of the tubular jacket, and a non-return means consisting of at least two spring wires protrudes into the receiving space. To reduce the force required for driving in and extracting the tip, it may be of the form of a truncated double cone, with a peripheral segment projecting radially beyond the tubular jacket.