Abstract: A temperature-sensing apparatus for a hand-held surface contact probe is disclosed wherein a hollow shank extends from a handle and a temperature-sensitive sensor means, such as a thermocouple, is mounted at the distal end of the shank. A ball and socket are provided at the end of the shank, the ball being secured to the end of the shank and the ball and socket having closely enveloping interengaging surfaces, each of high thermal conductivity. The conductors to the temperature sensor means are held in place by insulation which prevents the conductors from flexing so that they will not break due to such repeated flexing. The socket has a flat contact surface which is adapted to be pressed into contact with an object the temperature of which is to be measured and the heat flow path is from this contact surface through the interengaging surfaces of the ball and socket to the temperature sensor means.