This paper studies the shear stresses appearing in the contact zones of dowel-type joints of timber structures using expansive kits. To achieve this goal, a finite element model capable of determining the effect of using these kits on the global response of the joint has been prepared. For its development, different tools have been used to model the expansion process, the contact between the different parts of the joint, the compression pressures triggered by this contact, the resulting shear stresses caused by friction and, finally, the effect of all these circumstances on the overall performance of the joint, especially on the relationship between the applied load and the related displacement. The design of the model has been checked for correctness using experimental tests. The results obtained show that the use of expansive kits slightly improves the load-carrying capacity of the dowel through the rope effect.