No, they are not the same. I have both.
The Lowes version (IR 231G kit I assume you are talking about) works just fine, and I used to use mine to do tire rotations on my army trucks w/1 1/2" lugs....it will work fine for any and all shade tree mechanic work, except certain suspension bolts occasionally & the Honda crank bolt.
Go for it, its a good impact.
