We slid around before finding controls (6)
I believe the answer is:
wields
'finding controls' is the definition.
'wields' can be an answer for 'controls' (I've seen this in another clue). I'm unsure of the 'finding' bit.
'we slid around' is the wordplay.
'around' indicates an anagram.
'we'+'slid'='weslid'
'weslid' is an anagram of 'WIELDS'.
'before' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for wields that I've seen before include "Holds and uses, say weapon, with the hands" , "Holds and brandishes, say a weapon" , "Exercises (power)" .)