What determines a smith's chance at repairing items?

[Razzamanazz]

I made a smith with 50 skill hoping I could repair my own armor. Sometimes he can repair my entire dex suit and weapons without fail but fairly often I fail to repair something and will continue failing each attempt until the item is irreparable.

Anyone know what determines your chance at repairing an item? Obviously your smithing skill is a part of it but is there more to it like how damaged the item is, skill needed to craft the item, etc?

Thanks

[Mikel123]

Skill and how damaged the item is, I believe. I don't think the difficulty in crafting the item has any bearing.

[Razzamanazz]

Thanks Mike. I guess from now on I should return to town for repairs before I get the "equipment severely damaged" prompts.