This note derives an approximate, theoretical formula for the tension rivet loads transmitted by a shear-buckled skin to the supporting stringers. Allowance is made for the influence of the in-plane stiffness of the stringers and frames in reducing the magnitude of the shear buckles. The formula will be most reliable in the range 1·5 <τ/τcr< 3. When τ/τcr<1·5 the effect of initial irregularities is important, though the rivet loads are not high. When τ/τcr>3 the effect of change of buckle pattern, neglected in this simplified treatment, becomes important. The analysis could however be extended to deal with varying buckle pattern.