Abstract: A method of encapsulating a cable strand formed of a plurality of bundled steel wires is carried out by forcing apart the wires of the strand with wooden wedges, and then filling the resulting gap solid with red lead paste. After this, the wedges are removed to permit the paste to coat and fill all voids between the strand wires. This operation is repeated at a plurality of circumferential positions on the strand. Then, the wedges can be driven in at an adjacent position up the strand. Next, the portion of the strand at which the red lead paste has been so applied is coated with the same paste. Finally, the cable is paint encapsulated by using a bath of red lead paint. This method is favorably carried out to protect the crotch of a suspension bridge main cable strand at a position near the strand shoe thereof.