--- a/src/activity_actor.cpp
+++ b/src/activity_actor.cpp
@@ -1174,10 +1174,11 @@
     }
 
     if( !perfect ) {
+        who.practice( skill_mechanics, 6, 12 );
+    } else {
         // You don't gain much skill since the item does all the hard work for you
-        xp_gain += std::pow( 2, who.get_skill_level( skill_mechanics ) ) + 1;
+        who.practice( skill_mechanics, 3, 12 );
     }
-    who.practice( skill_mechanics, xp_gain );
 
     if( !perfect && g->m.has_flag( "ALARMED", target ) && ( lock_roll + dice( 1, 30 ) ) > pick_roll ) {
         sounds::sound( who.pos(), 40, sounds::sound_t::alarm, _( "an alarm sound!" ),